Final answer:
The Confederate army had about 200,000 soldiers in 1861, who were sometimes called 'Rebels'. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the year 1861, the Confederate army comprised approximately 200,000 soldiers, colloquially referred to as 'Rebels.' This nomenclature encapsulated the distinctive identity of the Confederate forces during the American Civil War (1861–65). The term "Rebels" became emblematic of the Southern states' secessionist stance and their resistance to the Union.
Amid the tumultuous conflict, these 200,000 Confederate soldiers played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the war. The appellation 'Rebels' not only reflected their allegiance to the Confederacy but also underscored their opposition to the Union forces. The American Civil War exacted a heavy toll, with approximately 220,000 men losing their lives in battle or succumbing to wounds, while infectious diseases claimed the lives of around 400,000 individuals.
This period of upheaval marked a defining chapter in American history, characterized by the struggle between the Union and the Confederacy over issues of states' rights, slavery, and regional autonomy. The term 'Rebels' not only denoted a military force but embodied a cultural and ideological symbol, encapsulating the spirit of defiance and determination that permeated the Confederate ranks during this tumultuous era.