The American Civil War was fought at a crossroads in time, where old-world tactics were meeting deadly modern technology. Climactic moments in huge engagements were often decided by men lining up across from each other and shooting it out. These tactics were accompanied by romantic illusions of duty, glory and personal honor. Showing your back in a fight, some considered, was a fate worse than death. After reviewing a parade of John B. Hood's Texas Brigade, a British colonel noticed that almost all of the men had worn through the seats of their pants. General Robert E. Lee told him not to worry:
Never mind their raggedness, Colonel. The enemy never sees the back of my Texans.
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