During the American Civil War (1861-1865), a variety of weapons were used by both the Union and Confederate forces. The most common infantry weapon was the Springfield Model 1861 rifle, which fired a .58 caliber Minié ball. Artillery pieces, such as cannons and howitzers, played a crucial role in battles, delivering explosive shells and canister shots over long distances. In addition to traditional firearms, new technologies emerged during the war. The Gatling gun, an early type of machine gun, allowed for rapid fire, while ironclad warships, like the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, revolutionized naval warfare. These advancements changed the nature of combat and tactics used in the war.