Infantry

At this time, the Union forces already had a strong advantage over the Confederates by way of infantry training. In training, Union armies’ main cornerstones were made up of bayonet combat, marksmanship, drill, and physical fitness. Their leaders quickly found a clear method of training that helped most soldiers endure during their time on the battlefield. Their use of swift strategy, decision making, and execution played a key role in their success in most battles. 

In comparison, Confederate armies were more scattered when referring to their techniques. Their styles of learning and focus depended heavily on their training officials. As it continued on being individualized, it kept them from acting in true unison. Their lack of standardization kept them from completing the task at hand inorder to get a leg up on the Union armies that caused a long lasting effect. In other words, the infantries each stuck out from the rest in a negative light. Their failure to work cohesively with one another forced them to be slower during the most crucial moments. 

During the battle of Prairie Grove, the infantry clearly reflected their past training abilities. There was one particular instance that took place during the battle that perfectly represents each side's strengths and weaknesses. As the confederates reached the area first, they did have the advantage of having more time to understand their environment as well as creating the plan to prepare for the Union army’s arrival. They made the assumption that they would arrive in smaller groups which would lead to an easy attack. The Union leaders were clever to know how their opponents thought and made changes to the marching plans which led to them attacking from the side flank and causing aspects of a surprise attack. As a result, Confederate soldiers were easily confused and struggled to communicate with other groups to create a new plan. The correct function of an infantry is vital to an army’s success in a battle. Their actions must reflect their mentality of unity. Without it, they are likely to fail or retreat just as the Confederates did in this instance.

“Battle of Prairie Grove.” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, 16 June 2023, encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/battle-of-prairie-grove-513/.

“Prairie Grove.” American Battlefield Trust, www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/prairie-grove. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.