- Farming: Agriculture was a major economic activity during the Civil War, and many people earned money by farming. Farmers grew crops such as corn, wheat, and cotton, which could be sold for cash or used to barter for goods and services.
- Manufacturing: The Industrial Revolution was well underway during the Civil War, and many people earned money by working in factories. Factories produced a wide variety of goods, including weapons, ammunition, uniforms, and other supplies needed by the military.
- Mining: The United States was rich in natural resources, and mining was a major industry during the Civil War. Miners extracted coal, iron ore, copper, and other minerals from the earth, which were then used to manufacture a variety of goods.
- Transportation: The Civil War saw a significant increase in the transportation of goods and people, and many people earned money by working in this sector. Jobs in transportation included driving teams of horses or oxen to pull wagons or working on steamboats and railroads.
- Trade: Many people earned money during the Civil War by engaging in trade. Merchants bought and sold goods, often taking advantage of the wartime shortages to make a profit. Some merchants traded with the Confederate States of America, while others traded with the Union.
- Government service: The Union and Confederate governments both employed a large number of people during the Civil War. These jobs included administrative positions, such as clerks and bookkeepers, as well as military positions, such as soldiers, sailors, and nurses.
- Other jobs: In addition to the above methods of earning money, some people also earned money during the Civil War by working as blacksmiths, carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, and other skilled tradesmen.