Historians generally categorize Civil War irregulars into three distinct groups: American Civil War Guerrilla Tactics
Guerrilla warfare relied on intelligence, deception, and hitting the enemy's most vulnerable points. Key tactics included: Guerrilla Warfare | American Battlefield Trust American Civil War Guerrilla Tactics
: The most feared and lawless, these individuals or small groups hid in foliage ("the bush") to ambush soldiers and civilians alike. They often engaged in robbery and murder, using the war as a cover for personal vendettas. Core Tactics and Methods American Civil War Guerrilla Tactics
