Why did the Union wear Blue?

Answer 1

Not all of them did. In the early years, many were in blue. Gray was relatively easy color to die cloth in and didn't require imported dyes to do it. Wool usually was some shade of gray after making cloth. At the start of the war, most of the uniforms were supplied under what was called the Commutation System (April 1861 - December 1861 / January 1862). These were uniforms procured either locally or nationally, with the Confederate Government agreeing to reimburse the cost. Many uniforms were issued by State authorities, some were from units that had been militia prior to the outbreak of hostilities. Many were made by local families for their sons, brothers, and husbands. There are cases of soldiers requesting items from home, as these first issue, or procured pieces, became useless. These tended to be items of need that were not met, usually socks, underwear, etc. The first depot jackets appeared around late 1861, spring of 1862. What was called the second depot jackets appeared from spring 1862 to mid 1864, whilst the third and final depot jacket was issued from early 1864 onwards to the end of the war. Confederate soldier's uniforms would often wear out or be badly torn and they would use the uniforms of the Union soldiers often causing problems as far as "who was the enemy." Grey uniforms were quite common during the early 1800's. Many military academies wore uniforms of this color. Since there were several military schools in the South, it was quite natural that they adopted this color. When dyes became scarce, Confederate manufactures restored to using a dye made of copperas and walnut hulls, which produced the color known as "butternut", that was a light brown. For excellent photos of uniforms, see "Echoes of Glory; Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy" by TIME-LIFE publishers.

Answer 2

Since the American Revolution(War of Independance), the American infantry had worn dark blue coats. The first coats were the European style of the period with high collars and long cuffs that were red. However, due to shortages, the uniform was made in other colors that were available. My guess is that the color was influenced by the Prussia uniform of that time.

The same color was worn during the Mexican War with a shorter coat style and pale blue pants. The stiff uniform was altered to a more comfortable working uniform and a floppy cap with visor was introduced but it was not a Kepi pattern, yet.

When the Civil War began, the standard uniform was a long Frock coat. The pale blue color of the pants were retained. The pattern of belts and pouches were retained from the Mexican War but were dyed Black. Later, more comfortable coats were worn. The Kepi cap was introduced from France. Also the uniform pattern of the French Zouave troops were very popular and some units were allowed to adopt these. There were uniforms of other colors especially those adopted by militia units raised locally.

Answer 3

Answer The US Army adopted dark blue uniforms as early as the middle period of the American Revolutionary War in 1770's. During the early 1800's, many militia and military schools began to wear grey uniforms but the regular army was still basically blue. During the Mexican War, the uniform changed a little and the large floppy hat (similiar to a kepi) was introduced in dark blue. The pale blue trousers were introduced at that time and the coats became shorter. During the plain Indian Wars, the cavalry wore the blue coat with either a kepi hat or a slouch hat. During the Spanish-American War, a light-weight tan uniform was worn but the standard uniform was still blue.

Answer 4

During the 1st battle of Bull Run units couldn't tell Yanks from Rebs and vice versa. The U.S. had blue to start with. Gray and butternut (the actual color) dyes were plentiful in the south, thus that color.

Answer 5

Utility, national tradition and a desire to evoke the image of other famed military units all play a part in the design of military uniforms in any era.

The familiar union blue are similar in cut to contemporary European designs, while being deliberately less ornate. The confederate designs show even greater variability, supplied as they were by local communities, states and even wealthy individuals. Several units even sported the uniform of the Zouaves evoking a famed foreign military units.

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Answer 6

The Union wore blue because it was a common color and did not make them seem distant.