Not So Ragged Confederates: A History of Confederate Uniforms and Uniform Production in the Civil Wa

Confederate enlisted men's uniforms were more homogenous in appearance than officer uniforms due to advances made in uniform production as seen through the Quartermaster-General's Department, individual depots, and the importation of uniforms and materials, and because officers were expected to purchase their own tailor-made uniforms. This study of Confederate uniforms helps document the economic progress of the Confederacy. This will be examined through a thesis essay and project. The project consists of an online digital exhibit that interprets the topic through actual uniforms.;The thesis argues that Confederate uniforms were consistent and well-made due to advancements made in production and because of the importation of uniforms. These advancements also show the economic progress made by the Confederacy. The thesis essay argues that Confederate military uniforms became increasingly standardized with improved quality after 1862. Using various sources the essay argues that the Confederacy was able to adequately cloth its soldiers through the creation of a strong manufacturing bases and the importation of uniforms and materials. The Quartermaster's Department created a network of regional depots, which all became fully operational around 1862, at times adequately, supplied the armies within their regions. The depots, combined with the importation of uniforms and uniform materials from England and Ireland, helped the Confederacy clothe the enlisted men in more consistent uniforms. The Confederacy's ability to create a cohesive system for uniform production shows its economic progress during the Civil War, and challenges what some historians have previously said about the Confederacy being hostile towards manufacturing and industry.;My thesis project shows both historians and the public how the Confederacy properly clothed their soldiers through a cohesive system of depots and the importation of uniforms and materials, which allowed enlisted men to become more homogenous in their uniforms than their commanding officers. Examining uniform production can also show people how the Confederate economy progressed during the war. This will be examined through an online digital exhibit complete with uniforms on display. My thesis is also important because the public history aspect of it allows the general public to learn more about this specific topic. The fact that my work will be displayed online will bring it to a wider audience.