Johnny Reb facts for kids
.jpg)
Johnny Reb is a special nickname for the common soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. This war happened in the 1860s. He is often shown with his Union (Northern) counterpart, Billy Yank. Together, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank helped people imagine the soldiers from both sides of the war.
Johnny Reb became a symbol in Southern books, poems, art, and history. He is often seen as a brave soldier. The name "Johnny Reb" was also used as a nickname for soldiers who had fought in the Confederate army. It can also refer to white people from the states that were once part of the Confederacy. Even today, writers and news reporters sometimes use the name "Johnny Reb." For example, a historian once wrote an article called Chief Johnny Reb about Jefferson Davis, who was the Confederate president.
What Johnny Reb Looked Like
Johnny Reb is usually pictured as a Confederate soldier wearing a gray wool uniform. He often has a special hat called a kepi. This hat was made of wool or cotton cloth and had a rounded, flat top, a cotton lining, and a leather visor. Sometimes, he is shown with his weapons or holding the Confederate flag, or both.
How the Name Started
The name "Johnny Reb" likely came from how Union soldiers talked to Confederate soldiers. They would often call out, "Hello, Johnny" or "Howdy, Reb" across the battlefield. "Reb" was a short way of saying "rebel," which is what the Union soldiers called the Confederates.
Johnny Reb in Pop Culture
Johnny Reb has appeared in many songs, comics, and games. Here are a few examples:
- "Johnny Reb" is a song about a Confederate soldier. It was written in 1959 by Merle Kilgore and made popular by Johnny Horton.
- Johnny Reb and Billy Yank was a comic strip from 1956 to 1959. It was about the American Civil War and featured Johnny Reb as a character.
- "Johnny Reb" is the name of a wargame that first came out in 1983. Players use miniature figures to re-create Civil War battles.
- The band R.E.M. mentions "Johnny Reb" in their song "Swan Swan H." This song is on their 1986 album Lifes Rich Pageant.
See also
In Spanish: Johnny Reb para niños
