Final answer:
We know about the harsh conditions at Andersonville from historical records, survivor testimonies, and studies by historians, where there was extreme heat, lack of shelter, and a high mortality rate due to disease and unsanitary conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
We learn about the conditions at Andersonville, a notorious Confederate prison during the Civil War, through various historical documents, personal accounts, and research conducted by historians. During the summers, prisoners at Andersonville suffered immensely due to the lack of shelter from the scorching summer sun and had no relief from the intense heat. The only source of water was a small creek that ran through the camp, eventually becoming a disease infested cesspool due to the unsanitary conditions.
The mortality rate at Andersonville was an estimated 29 percent, which is an indication of the severe conditions the prisoners faced. Conditions in Northern prison camps, such as Elmira in New York, were also dire, with a significant loss of life. Overall, an estimated 56,000 prisoners died as a result of conditions in prison camps on both sides.
These conditions have been documented in various historical texts and through the analysis of survivor testimony and reports from the period.
The suffering at places like Andersonville is often highlighted as an illustration of the harsh realities of war and human cruelty. It's important to acknowledge the sources of our knowledge on this topic, such as the article from National Geographic which provides insights into the staggering losses due to prison camps during the Civil War.