Data Literacy for Social Studies, Value of Boots and Shoes Produced, Union vs. Confederacy, 1860

While footwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering preparation for war, it can have a significant impact on military effectiveness and morale. This bar graph uses data from the 1860 US Census to show the annual value of boots and shoes produced in Union versus Confederate states in 1860. The spreadsheets found here include the bar graph, the original data table, and a recreated table. The Union's significantly higher value of boots and shoes produced in 1860 indicates greater access to critical military resources. In fact, the Confederacy only supplied its soldiers with shoes; they had to buy their own boots to use in the war.