The North experienced massive social change in the first half of the 19th century when industrial revolution really ramped up. Cities were still trying to figur

The North experienced massive social change in the first half of the 19th century when industrial revolution really ramped up. Cities were still trying to figure out the transition from agrarian support to industrial center and the general quality of life in cities during that time was horrible from pollution and overcrowding. City dwellers didn't see much benefit for all their effort until the labor movement got its feet in the late 19th and early 20th century. It's no surprise that there were lots of older boys in the Union army because the lack of prospects in the cities were obvious even then.