Virtual Trivia

Question 19: Union Soldiers’ Requirement

April 19, 2021

A dentist examines the teeth of a Civil War soldier. It was only at the outbreak of the Civil War that dentistry began to be recognized as a healthcare profession.

What were recruits required to have before they were accepted into the Union Army?

  1. A rifle
  2. Socks
  3. Teeth
    4.
  4. A toothbrush

During physical examination, the surgeon was to determine whether a recruit has a sufficient number of teeth in good condition to be able to tear a cartridge quickly and with ease. Some draftees had their front teeth removed as a ploy to avoid service.

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