Why Did Civil War Generals Have Beards?

Introduction to Civil War Facial Fashions

Fashion and the difficulty of shaving on campaign, alongside the challenge of maintaining a clean-shaven look during prolonged military service, have played significant roles in the facial grooming preferences of Civil War generals. In fact, a number of generals grew beards in an attempt to appear more mature and capable. This phenomenon is especially prominent with the most famous example being General Burnside, who, despite being a victim of his facial hair, was promoted well above his actual abilities.

The term 'Bum's Rent' in the UK and 'Burnside' in the US are synonymous, directly related to this cultural practice. Understanding the prevalence and significance of beards in Civil War military life requires looking at the broader historical context of facial hair in the 19th century and the practical considerations of military service during that time.

The Fashion of Beards in the 1860s

Beards were very much in style during the 1860s, with men of all ranks and stations sporting various styles, lengths, and degrees of facial hair. Mustaches were equally popular, as period photographs reveal a wide variety of styles. The terms for these styles, although interesting, may be unfamiliar to modern observers. Thanks to the frequent use of the relatively new medium of photography during the war, we have an invaluable record of many of the best beards of the Civil War.

The story behind President Lincoln's beard is often cited as an interesting anecdote. It is said that a little girl advised him to grow a beard, which he did. This illustrates how the prevailing trend of facial hair extended not just to generals, but to political leaders as well.

Practical Considerations of Beards in the Military

While men today might be seen with a wide variety of facial hair styles, the military has strict grooming policies due to the necessity of maintaining a professional image and ensuring proper hygiene. In the U.S. military, soldiers can have facial hair only if they fill out a form explaining why. The vast majority of soldiers, however, focus more on their physical fitness and fighting prowess rather than paperwork related to their facial hair.

Historically, the prevalence of beards among generals during the Civil War can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, beards were much more common during that period, making it less strange to see a general with facial hair. Secondly, the tools available for shaving were not as advanced as they are today. Using sharp razors alone was difficult, and these tools could also be expensive. For these reasons, many chose to embrace facial hair rather than risk the discomfort and potential injuries of shaving.

Historical Context of Military Fashion

While extravagant facial hair was a common fashion trend in the mid-19th century, it is important to note that this was not the only factor influencing the generals' choices. Looking through history, the lack of a singular answer points to a variety of reasons. For instance, beards were more common in that era, making not having one seem unusual. Additionally, the tools and methods available for maintaining facial hair were not as sophisticated, leading to a preference for beards.

Historically, military fashion closely followed civilian trends up until the beginning of World War II. Officers often wore uniforms made by civilian tailors, which were cut and styled according to the fashion of the time. Similarly, grooming norms were also influenced by prevailing styles. When long hair and beards were in style, military men mirrored this trend. As for the military-specific fashions, such as the sweeping mustaches of Prussian officers, these became so closely associated with the German military that pacifist groups like the Mennonites and Amish today abstain from growing mustaches.

The modern "military" look, with its short and clean-shaven appearance, took shape around 1935 in most Western armies. This was at a time when professional men widely favored a polished, thoroughbred look, paralleling the call-up of mass-conscript militaries in the run-up to World War II.

Conclusion

The Civil War generals with their beards are a testament to the unique blend of historical fashion and practical necessity. While today’s military enforces strict grooming codes, the prevalence of facial hair among 19th-century generals highlights the influence of both cultural trends and the logistics of military life. Understanding this historical context provides valuable insights into the evolution of military fashion and grooming practices.