Child soldiers in the American Civil War by an exploding shell. Federal Soldiers: These numbers are staggering compared to the number of older men: Child soldiers in the American Civil War Between 250,000 and 420,000 boys under 17 were involved in the American Civil War, for both the Union and the Confederacy. It is estimated that 100,000 Union soldiers were under 15 years old. Given the large number of young men in the American Civil War, compared to the number of older men, one author stated that it “might have been called The Boys’ War.” When the surrender of Fort Sumter was announced, men and boys of
Washington, D.C., in the American Civil War of the Civil War. In February 1861, the Peace Congress, a last-ditch attempt by delegates from 21 of the 34 states to avert what many saw as the impending Civil War, met in the city's Willard Hotel. The strenuous effort failed and the War started in April 1861. At first, it looked as though neighbouring Virginia would remain in the Union. When it unexpectedly voted Confederate, there was a serious danger that the divided state of Maryland would do the same, totally surrounding the capital with enemy states. President Abraham Lincoln’s act in jailing Maryland's pro-slavery leaders (without trial) saved