Civil War Spies

A detailed Summary of Civil War Spies

In the Civil War, spies helped turned many battles around by infiltrating the lines of control and getting vital information. As the war progressed, since both sides knew it was not an easy win, action was taken to improve the efforts of the war. One of the efforts being done was spying. As soon as the role of spying took over, this war became to be known as an information war.

Many wondered how in the beginning the Southern had won the first Battle of the Bull Run in Manassas. It was because of the spying being done by the Confederacy. The development of spying trends began in the south. The Confederacy implemented a plan to the Secretary of State and Secretary of War and they approved it which then later brought a government spying agency known as the Signal Bureau (Markle 6). General T. J. Jackson was the first to deploy his own spy to gather information on the Unions (Markle 8). While the Unions thought it is an easy win by having more men, they were sadly mistaken. The spy instructed T. J. Jackson in getting more reinforcements and suggested a different route so they could attack by surprise in a disparate direction. When the battle was won by the Confederacy, it spawned a new evolution of how war was played. More spies wer

knows each other's geography well. In other countries, that would be nearly impossible to do (Civil War Spies). The first foremost priority for a spy is to gather as much information while they're useful. Most spies would do the easy way by reading newspapers in another state. Often newspapers would state plans and raids which is not intended to be shown to the opposite factions. Many newspaper publishers did not realize how much information they had given away which gives spies a significant advantage (Civil War Spies). Many daredevils, as they were called; would change their names, change their lifestyle and find a simple role in their enemy's opposition's towns. They would pose as a farmer, civilian, mail carrier or any others by wearing the same type of clothes as the rest of the people. They would befriend with many people especially soldiers and generals. They would start babbling about their invaluable plans which can lose its' potential once it reaches the opposite side (Civil War Spies).

Those that wanted to join in the Secret Service weren't always admitted. The Secret Service had requirements to match your abilities. They would interview you by generals and doctors. First foremost, you had to be a male, no excuses. They would later test you for your agility and skills which could determine how useful you are for each job. You would be tested by how well you handled firearms and shot with accuracy, you had to have a fluent accent so you could blend in with other people in a particular state (Markle 37-38), you had to know how to work with other spies (Markle 67), you had to have knowledge of the whole situation and their gears, you also must have a previous job. You were also required to have a phrenological examination. If you were accepted, you were placed under a commander or general so you could begin the work as soon as possible (Civil War Spies).

As the war progressed, spies were considered deadly and feared. Many would talk of rumors in bars, street alleys, corners, and even in newspapers (Markle 15). That made some people even turn in their own friends and families who they suspected to be a part of a conspiracy. As for the end of the Civil War, spies were recognized with many awards and given high honor for their great deeds. In conclusion, by explainable proof, spies are capable of really making sudden changes to the outcome of the war. No doubt that spies would continue to be the most needed for future wars.

However, when the Unions learned of the south's tactics, they began to assemble one of their own group- the Secret Service (Markle 6). The spies of the Secret Service were plenty but poorly trained and inexperienced. The Signal Bureau had more knowledge of spying in the beginning of the war but lacked spy volunte

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Approximate Word count = 1865
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History