What were the small metelsome what star shape things that the civil war aera soldiers use to lay on the road for the horse to step on them and fall. making the fallen soldier easier to fight than on h?

The small metal objects you're referring to are called "caltrops." These spiked devices were used during the Civil War to impede the movement of horses and infantry, causing them to stumble or fall. Caltrops were designed so that when one point was on the ground, the other three would be sticking up, making them effective at injuring horses and slowing down enemy troops. Their use made it easier for soldiers to engage opponents who were struggling to regain their footing.