1. Technological advancements in weaponry: The Civil War saw the introduction of new and more advanced weapons, such as rifled muskets and artillery. These weapons were more accurate and had a longer range than previous weapons, making it easier for soldiers to hit their targets from a greater distance. This led to higher casualty rates on both sides.
2. Trench warfare: The Civil War was the first major conflict to see the widespread use of trench warfare. Soldiers would dig trenches and fortify them with sandbags and other materials, making it difficult for the enemy to advance. However, this also made it difficult for soldiers to move around and exposed them to enemy fire, resulting in high casualty rates.
3. Lack of medical knowledge and resources: Medical knowledge and resources were limited during the Civil War, and many soldiers died from infections and diseases that could have been treated with modern medicine. Additionally, medical facilities were often overwhelmed and understaffed, leading to poor treatment and high mortality rates among wounded soldiers.