How come soldiers in old wars like the American Civil War did “line” battles? Would it be better if that have taken cover?

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Title. I’m really confused about this thing. While I can see how it can improve accuracy and all that, isn’t it better to take cover?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

In addition to the details of the weapons used, in a well-drilled company, a soldier knew that if he stood in line, he could count on his squad-mates to cover him if an enemy came at him from the left or right. …And that if he shirked, he could count on them to remember afterwards.

Whereas if they were all taking cover behind various bushes, it’d feel like he was all by his lonesome. Which wouldn’t be good for him, or the squad, or the army.

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