The secret weapon of the American Civil War | ABC Radio National

Key Concepts:

• Submarine warfare
• CSS Hunley
• USS Housatonic
• American Civil War
• Naval warfare
• Stealth tactics
• Guerrilla warfare
• Historical cover-up

American Civil War at Sea:

The American Civil War, often perceived as a land-based conflict, also involved significant naval engagements. This maritime aspect of the war sets the stage for the introduction of a novel and controversial weapon: the submarine.

The CSS Hunley's Attack:

On February 17, 1864, the Confederate submarine CSS Hunley, operating in "stealth mode" with its "dead lights closed off," approached the Union warship USS Housatonic. The Hunley, a small, 12-meter, hand-cranked submarine equipped with explosives on a spar, successfully detonated its charge against the Housatonic.

The Sinking of the Housatonic:

The explosion caused the USS Housatonic to sink in approximately three minutes. This marked the first instance in history of a submarine successfully sinking an enemy warship.

The Hunley's Fate and Legacy:

Despite its success, the Hunley disappeared immediately after the attack and remained lost for 136 years. While achieving a historic first, the Hunley's mission resulted in more Confederate casualties than Unionist casualties.

Controversy and Cover-Up:

The Hunley's tactics were considered "ungentlemanly" and akin to "guerrilla warfare." Following the end of the Civil War, there was a strong possibility that individuals involved in the Hunley program would be tried and executed as traitors. Consequently, many historical documents related to the Hunley were destroyed to conceal the story and protect those involved.