Civil War

In 1879 the U.S. government released the official estimate of the cost of the Civil War as six billion one hundred ninety million dollars. That is one hundred forty- five billion eight hundred forty-one million nine hundred eighty-eight thousand five hundred forty- six dollars and thirteen cents in today's money. That's 2,256.1 percent increase in inflation since 1879.The Confederate side spent about half that amount. Over one million lives were lost total on both sides due to military engagements, naval battles, accidents, suicide's, sicknesses, murders, and executions. By 1905 another 3.3 billion dollars (87 billion 271 million 544 dollars, and 44 cents in today's money) was spent on pensions and other Federal benefits. Southern states and private philanthropy provided benefits to Confederate veterans. The amount spent on benefits exceeded the cost of the war.