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The typical soldier had a musket or rifle and possibly a knife or a sword for close combat . officers often had pistols and sword to fight with. other items often included a sewing kit to repair their uniforms , silverware , a bible and a pocket knife .

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The lack of consistent uniforms led to confusion on the battlefield . in some early battle soldiers often shot people from their own side. eventually  the uniforms became more standard with the union army wearing navy colored uniforms and the confederates wearing grey

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When the civil war began , neither side thought it would turn into a major conflict, they weren't already for a major war against each other . one of the things they weren't ready for was having uniforms for the armies .
at first uniforms were provided to the soldiers by the states and local cities. the materials , colors and style were all different .

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The Northern union armies wore : light blue pants , blue overcoat with a cape , dark blue jackets , heavy shoes , woolen socks , a cap called kepi , gray woolen shirt and knapsack

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The south uniforms were designed by Nicola Marschall , a German-American artist who also designed the original confederate flag .The uniform of a double-breasted gray frock coat , a pair of light "French blue" trousers , white cotton shirts , a forage cap and leather brogan shoes . Depending on the branch of service : Yellow for cavalry , Red for artillery and Blue for infantry .