Civil War Cavalry and Intelligence

Catalog description

This course examines the theory, practice and operations of the cavalry and intelligence gathering and analysis on both sides during the Civil War. The first part will cover the development of the mounted arm and its traditional role. The theory of cavalry tactics taught by West Point will provide a knowledge base for the ideas and developed tactics by Civil War officers. The second part will address personalities, to include Nathan Bedford Forrest, Jeb Stuart, Wade Hampton, John Buford, George Custer, and others. Areas investigated, relevant to intelligence, will include espionage, Bureau of Military Information, secret services, cavalry forays, covert activities, and secret missions (including the Lincoln assassination plot). Focus of the course will be to compare and contrast the efforts of both the Union and Confederacy to stay ahead in the game of "knowing the enemy."