Civil War Posters – Union & Confederate

Description

Civil War Posters and Propaganda

Timeline of Main Events

• Pre-War: The need for arms within the Louisiana militia is highlighted, indicating a lack of preparation for conflict. This suggests a period of growing tensions and anticipation of war.
• Early Civil War (1861-1862): The Union captures New Orleans, leading to Major General Benjamin Butler issuing a proclamation to its citizens, establishing Union control and outlining rules for the occupied city.
• Mid-War (1863):Recruiting posters are widely used by both sides, employing various appeals (patriotism, bonuses, etc.) to enlist soldiers. These also target specific demographics such as Germans and the Irish.
• The New York Draft Riots occur, reflecting widespread unrest over conscription policies.
• There is a recognition that the war is also being fought by Black soldiers as recruiting posters specifically seek out these soldiers.
• Late War (1864-1865):General George A. Custer issues a proclamation congratulating his Third Cavalry Division for their battlefield successes.
• Confederate President Jefferson Davis announces the withdrawal of Confederate troops from Richmond, Virginia, ahead of the city’s capture by Union forces.
• President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated, resulting in wanted posters for John Wilkes Booth and other conspirators.

Cast of Characters

• Benjamin Butler: A Major General in the Union Army. He is known for his controversial administration of occupied New Orleans, where he issued strict rules to the city’s residents.
• George A. Custer: A General in the Union Army, famous for his cavalry leadership. He is mentioned in the context of a proclamation commending his soldiers.
• Jefferson Davis: The President of the Confederate States of America. He is noted for his announcement regarding the Confederate withdrawal from Richmond.
• Abraham Lincoln: President of the United States during the Civil War. His assassination is noted.
• John Wilkes Booth: An American actor and Confederate sympathizer, known for assassinating President Abraham Lincoln. The source mentions the “wanted” posters for him and his co-conspirators.

This archive houses 415 Civil War posters encompassing a wide range of materials. These include recruitment drives, lists of deserters, announcements of meetings, solicitations for war charities, government decrees, appeals for Black soldiers, political campaign materials, and general military orders. The collection features 36 posters from the Confederate side.

Recruitment posters used patriotic rhetoric, financial incentives, and promises of well-equipped, experienced units to attract soldiers. Images such as soaring eagles, a cavalry officer with his sword raised, contrasting battle and peaceful scenes, and portraits of George Washington and other national figures enhanced their persuasive power.

Certain posters targeted specific demographics, such as those printed in German or featuring harps and shamrocks to reach German and Irish populations respectively.

Notable items in the collection include: a Louisiana governor’s plea for weapons donations due to militia shortages; Major Butler’s announcement of New Orleans’ occupation by Union forces and subsequent regulations; General Custer’s congratulatory message to his Third Cavalry; President Davis’s notice of Confederate troop withdrawal from Richmond; posters referencing the 1863 New York draft riots; and “wanted” posters for John Wilkes Booth and his fellow conspirators in Lincoln’s assassination.