Argumentative Essay: Entertainment During The Civil War

Entertainment During the Civil War

Entertainment during the Civil War helped to encourage both soldiers and civilians in times of emotional hardships. It allowed for inspiration to shine through the darkness of depression. Many were comforted and supported by others in the unity of entertainment. The types of entertainment were varied, but all enabled expression.

Photography was one form of entertainment during the Civil War. The type of photography that was particularly popular during the time of the Civil War was known as 3-D, or stereoscopic, photography. All Americans were able to enjoy it, despite social status. American culture during the 1860s was largely impacted by this form of photography, especially during the Civil War.

For several decades in the United States, the number one type of entertainment in the home was looking at stereoscopic photographs. Through stereoscopic photography, civilians were able to view camp life, battles fought, and the overall impact of the Civil War (Zeller).
Music was a very useful form of entertainment in this period.

Songs were important to all Civil War soldiers. It encouraged both soldiers and civilians, and music provided inspiration and a way to handle the emotional strains of battle for soldiers. For those living in camps, the music that was most enjoyed was a mixture of tenderness and patriotism (Barney 208-209). Many instruments were used to produce music. Banjos, fiddles, and harmonicas are a few of the instruments that soldiers purchased or created (“19th Century American Theater”). During the Civil War, there was a large amount of growth in the publishing of sheet music. In fact, a cabinet was reserved just for holding sheet music in the homes of some middle-class families (Huntington). In camps, music was used for two purposes. Field music was used to signal soldiers in battle and in camp activities. Band music was played during battles to inspire and encourage. Music was a great form of entertainment that aided emotionally for both soldiers and civilians

(Abel).
Another popular pastime was playing parlor games. Different types included board, card, and dice games. These games were often composed of parts that were made by hand (Varhola). Games were a very common part of life in Civil War camps. Through these games, soldiers were able to enjoy themselves instead of having to constantly endure boredom. After the Civil War was over, games united those who fought. Men intermingled despite what side they had fought for (“A Friendly Game of Cards”).
Theater was also an influential recreational event. Soldiers created their own theaters where many musical and theatrical performances were held. A very outgoing form of entertainment was the variety show. Many different acts, including music, dance, and skits, all had their place in a variety show. War-related issues and social problems could also be incorporated in variety shows. These shows were a group experience that involved participation from the audience. Performances put on in camps were close to professional quality. The audiences for these shows contained a great diversity. Soldiers, officers, and even women could be watching the show. All forms of theater provided benefits to those fighting because soldiers could become depressed easily. Mingling with others was vital, and theater provided an opportunity for this. Variety shows and other forms of theater enabled soldiers to find comfort in a time of emotional turmoil (Davis).
One form of theater that played a part during the Civil War was known as the minstrel show. This type of entertainment was first performed by white men who darkened their faces to mimic African Americans. The music and movement of African Americans was used in minstrelsy. Songs, dances, and speech of blacks were impersonated in these performances. Although it was America’s first addition to the world of theater, it was very cruel. However, black performers were able to use their skills in minstrel shows after the war was over. This was the beginning of African Americans in entertainment (Blue and Naden).
Sports were another popular pastime, especially the one known as “America’s Pastime.” Baseball actually played a part in the Civil War.

There is a myth that says the sport was created by Abner Doubleday, a Civil War general. This is false, but baseball was enjoyed by soldiers for its many advantages. Many believed that it was beneficial in preparing to fight and that it allowed for physical development. Baseball also gave soldiers entertainment, encouragement, and enabled them to work together. After the Civil War was over, baseball helped in unifying a nation that had fallen apart (Kirsch).

Entertainment varied in the Union and Confederacy. In the North, there was a great diversity of ethnicities and more people lived in urban areas. Since there were larger populations with a variety of people, entertainment focused on large, diverse groups. Spectator sports, such as horseracing, boxing, and baseball, were enjoyed, along with betting on these types of events. Urban live entertainment was also well-like, especially vaudeville variety shows and traveling circuses

(Varhola).
In the South, entertainment was on a smaller scale. Spectator sports and theater were still enjoyed spectacles, but were less common because areas with less people did not have the capacity to host events like these. Rather than as many spectator sports, participant sports were far more common. Celebrations, including balls, activities with farm families, and festivals, were enjoyed. Social gatherings were popular, but shortages from the war resulted in these events being turned into a “biscuit party” or “starvation party.” However, what these parties lacked in food and drink was made up in the form of dancing, music, and games (Varhola).
Although the Civil War was a terrible time in our history, these forms of entertainment helped those who were living then to be strong. Despite hardships and emotional strains, comfort could be found through many forms of recreation. Many were encouraged and inspired in a time of war because of the strength found in the expression of entertainment.