Civil War espionage

Civil War espionage involved secret intelligence activities by both Union and Confederate forces to gain strategic advantages. Spies gathered information on troop movements, battlefield plans, and supply routes, often using covert communications like coded messages or disguised agents. They operated behind enemy lines, sometimes risking their lives, to provide leaders with crucial insights. This clandestine effort helped shape key military decisions and contributed to the outcomes of battles and campaigns. Espionage was a critical element of Civil War strategy, showcasing the importance of intelligence in warfare, much like today’s modern operations.