Reaons for high casualty rate at Shiloh?

Answer 1

A factor in most Civil war battles was the use of tactics from Napoleonic wars developed with smooth-bore muskets with an effective range of 1 to 200 meters against troops equipped with the then recent rifled musket with effective range of 3-500 meters . Line up in open and charge last 100 meters may have been effective up to 1850s against rifles loading at best 3 rounds per minute and smooth-bores with limited range- when used against rifled muskets that could be fired 5 /6 rounds a minute and carry up to 500 meters with some training the losses during a maneuver stage before charge was much higher. Calvary that was trained to charge at about 200 meters and take one partially aimed volley at about 100 meters were now being fired on effectively at 300meters and getting a second aimed volley at 200meters while still getting a lst volley at 100meters- twice the casualties , broken charge before getting to bayonet range. Southern marksmen companies from regiments would skirmish like old British rifle companies- but could fire 50% faster and 50% ffarther with Minie ball than old Baker rifle- union officers picked off early. Union troops with mniie rifles not mostly well trained - but extra range and some marksmen did kill many southern troops being lined up for a charge. Rifled Cannons extra range also factor.

Answer 2

Americans will likely see more casualties. Iraq is one issue, but there is Afghanistan also. This spring, i.e. March 2007 the taliban are going to launch a massive attack in Southern Afghanistan and this is going to be a tough stand for US troops there. Secy of Defense R.Gates knows about that beforehand and this issue was discussed in Brussels and Kabul with US military commanders. Just looking at casualty rates and suicide attacks in Afghanistan compared to 2005, they have increased 6-fold? due to US military intelligence reports. And You can obviously imagine what may happen this year, when according to UN Drugs watchdog, the opium and heroin production in Afghanistan has skyrocketed and reached 6,000 tons! As some analysts believe, this will give additional resources for Taliban to fight Coalition forces in Afghanistan and enormous funds may very likely be channelled as a "humanitarian aid" to Iraqi insurgents. These are objective causes why American soldiers will keep being killed.

Answer 3

How about ineptitude on the part of the commanders?