The Crimean war was the first major conflict prominently featuring use of the Minié ball, which was what gave muzzle-loading rifles a rate of fire to match the smoothbore musket.
The US Secretary of War visited the conflict and noted the efficacy of the Minié ball and brought the idea back to America with him.
The US Secretary of War’s name was Jefferson Davis.
Did not know that. Interesting.
Florence Nightingale got her notoriety there too.
And they say we live in interesting times.