An estimated 3 million soldiers fought in the US Civil War. This was before the age of robust military logistics and both sides struggled to feed their armies adequately. Generally, soldiers were provided hard and soft bread, salted or fresh meat, beans, peas, rice, cornmeal, vinegar, and molasses when available. Often, this was enough to fill their stomachs but not enough to provide proper nutrition or energy for combat. To supplement their diets, soldiers foraged in the surrounding landscape. Beyond the need for sustenance, soldiers also foraged for medicinal plants to heal wounds or fight infections.
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