What was the Yankee soldier and how many different kinds of Yankee soldiers were there?

Answer

A Yankee, soldier or civilian, was, as far as I can tell, simply someone from the North. A Rebel or "Johnny Reb" was Southern or Confederate.

I read something the other day, don't recall where (may have even been this site!): To the rest of the world an American is a Yankee; To a Southerner someone from the North is a Yankee; to a Northerner someone from New England is a Yankee... I think there was more, but that is all I can recall.

As far as different kinds of Yankee (or Union or Northern) soldiers goes, I think they had the same variety of soldiers as any military force. Cavalry, Infantry, etc. The only thing I can think of that might have been different would be if there were other types of soldiers based on the type of warfare employed during that era. For example, there were Zoauve units (don't know much about them, not even sure I spelled that right:)), guerilla units and bushwhackers -which I doubt you could really classify as soldiers.

Answer

The North was divided into different units according to their states, many immigrants joined up as they came to this country, and there were also (eventually) units of freedmen. Interesting bit - it seems that the north fought to free the slaves, however, they didn't welcome them with open arms and didn't want to fight side by side. Change takes time, though.

First answer by anonymous. Last edit by anonymous. Question popularity: 102 [recommend question]