They were also referred to as "Yanks". It distinguished them from others when on foreign soil. I always thought the proper term was United States Army, United States Marines, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, oh please don't let me forget one, and that's just pretty much how I've seen them mentioned in anything that followed the Civil War.

I think I've called them the Federal Army here and sometimes Union but Federal just, at least to me, seems more specific to following orders from the United States government and sure doesn't fit into Confederate States forces. Like when a courthouse says "Federal" on the front you know it's not gonna be hearing property line disputes or a jaywalking case.

Maybe it is a bit like Cowboys and Indians, or is it Cavalry and Native Americans? Hmm, gotta think on that a bit.

Pam