Exploring the Roles of Sharpshooters and Skirmishers in the Civil War

What was the primary role of skirmishers in ancient and Civil War battles?

• To lead the main attack

• To serve as the army's early detection system

• To provide medical support

• To negotiate peace terms

What distinguished sharpshooters from regular skirmishers during the Civil War?

• Their use of cavalry

• Their specialized training and equipment

• Their role in naval battles

• Their diplomatic duties

How were sharpshooters recruited for the Civil War?

• Volunteers only

• By lottery

• Through a special marksmanship test

• All citizens were required to serve

How did European armies of the 18th and 19th centuries view skirmishers?

• As cooks and servants

• As special forces trained for specific tasks

• As the main force in battle

• As unnecessary

What was the strategic purpose of deploying skirmish lines in battle?

• To engage and weaken enemy forces before the main attack

• To provide entertainment

• To serve as a distraction

• To build fortifications

What was a key tactic used by skirmishers when advancing or retreating?

• Silent marching

• Using signal flags

• Maintaining a constant rate of fire

• Digging trenches

What was unique about the skirmish company from the 20th Maine at Gettysburg?

• They were entirely made up of volunteers

• They surrendered early in the battle

• They used artillery

• They fought alongside the second US Sharpshooters

What was the 'comrade of arms' system among skirmishers?

• A buddy system for morale support

• Pairs of soldiers managing firing and loading for efficiency

• A ranking system within the skirmish line

• A method for distributing ammunition

Why were skirmishers deployed in front of the main battle line?

• To signal the start of the battle with flags

• To engage the enemy first and gather intelligence

• To retreat first in case of defeat

• To map the battlefield

Which battle is cited as an example of skirmishers playing a pivotal role?

• The Battle of Waterloo

• The Battle of the Bulge

• The Battle of Gettysburg

• The Battle of Lookout Mountain