Question

What were some of the reasons behind the unusually high mortality rates in the American Civil War?

Answer 1

There were so many more deaths during the American Civil War because Americans were fighting Americans. The insufficient and inefficient field hospitals were another reason for the high rate. There were some doctors who claimed they killed more rebs or yanks than soldiers did. There really are no better reasons or any other reasons. In a civil war there are a higher number of casualties because we are killing our neighbors.
Well one reason was they were using war tactics that were relics!! Yet the weaponry was much more advanced then say in the Revolutionary war. so lining up 50 yards apart and firing was total mayhem.

rifles could fire much faster than before and accurately so therefore more casualties and deaths.

It was not soldier inefficiency so much as it was not adapting to the modern weapons they had. another example they used balloons for surveying and photoing the enemy terrotory. All this along with being able to move troops faster by train all led to quicker faster deaths.

Hope that helps.