Racial Hierarchies

African Americans were very questionable at first in the Civil War. The Union Navy had been already been accepting African American volunteers. Frederick Douglass thought that the military would help the African Americans have equal rights if they fought with them. Many children helped in the Civil War also, no matter how old they were. Because the African Americans were unfavorable, black units were not used in combat as they might have been. Nevertheless, the African Americans fought in numerous battles. African Americans fought gallantly. Northern leaders also saw another reason to have African Americans in the Civil War is that the Union needed soldiers. Congress aloud them to enlist them because they thought they might as well have

When word of African Americans enlisting in the Union Army got out, the Confederate Army lashed out many threats. They

This paper will firstly look at the process that lead to the recruitment of African-Americans into the Union Army, by analyzing Lincoln’s attitude towards slavery. It will go on to assess the importance of the changing status of blacks within the army, focusing specifically on the example of Massachusetts. It will also analyze how this was reflected in the differing opinions and prejudices held against black soldiers within the regiments of Massachusetts. It will argue that, as a result of increased sectionalism and the threat of secession Lincoln increasingly had to reassess his own position on certain issues, especially when it came to his ideas about slavery and emancipation. Lincoln’s realization that the war was being fought over the ‘peculiar institution’ and his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation were another step away from his hopes of keeping the Union together. From this point, although Lincoln implemented it slowly and reluctantly, it was a gradual process moving from emancipation to the admittance of black regiments into the Union Army. Therefore, as the debate over slavery came to a head, and slaves were freed in the North, so questions about the status and place of African-Americans became a reality that had to be dealt with. It will argue that there was much prejudice against

According to the Massachusetts History website, People thought it was crazy that black men were fighting in a “White Man's War”. Also, people thought that African Americans wouldn’t be capable to be good soldiers. There was also a lot of discrimination. The African American soldiers were often led by white officers. People that the blacks lacked the ability and discipline to be as good as a “white soldier” Black soldiers only got $7 per month while White soldiers got paid $10 per month. If an African soldier was captured by the Confederates, they would be treated as outlaws. They could be executed or be sold as slaves.

The black soldiers in war were the African-Americans in the rebel states, who were slaves in the south. They were allowed into the army when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Act of 1962.The black soldiers provided relief and support roles such as cooking and built roads bridges but did not participate in full combat until late towards the end of the war (Smith 2002, pp 47-66).

Perhaps as the war waged on Lincoln and the Union leaders saw emancipation as a stepping stone in order to win the war. By the time Congress passed the Second Confiscation and Militia Act in 1862 which freed slaves whose masters where in the Confederate Army. The Union had already suffered great loses of man power and needed an outlet source of new talent. By tapping into a new fresh source of labor and firepower the Union army allowed African American men to join the ranks. Gallagher comments that using emancipation was necessary by quoting Lincoln ““Abandon all the posts now possessed by black men, & we would be compelled to abandon the war in 3 weeks.”” Eric Foner seemingly agreed by quoting an Alabama planter in 1867, “The Yankees never could have whipped the South without the aid of the negroes.” We are told today freedom isn’t free maybe it was part due that had to be paid. Yet, true freedom and equality for African Americans would not come for

In the beginning of the war white southerners reject black men joining their army whether they were slaves or a free man. In addition, confederate leaders and soldiers would not recognize black men as legitimate soldiers when they captured black soldiers they would abuse or murder them, rather than treat them as prisoners of war. However, the confederate’s perspective of black men joining the confederate army changed, when they needed more troops and laborers In addition, the chance of the confederacy winning the Civil war became grim. Therefore, they allowed black men to enlist and promise them freedom, if the remained loyal. Furthermore, the confederacy did what they thought was necessary to save the white

During the civil war there were white soldiers and there were black soldiers. The African-American soldiers were discriminated. They were usually paid less money than white soldiers. They were paid $10 while white soldiers were paid $13 a month. They were also charged with a monthly fee of $3 for clothing, which insulted them more than they already were.

Contributions African-American soldiers made towards the Union cause was enrolling as cooks, stewards, and fireman, and some serving in the war. Risks and hardships African-American soldiers experienced were being captured and put to death as slaves in revolt, and forced into labor battalions. In the south slaves could enlist in the war for the fear of revolt.

Thesis: Lord Dunmore created and uprising leading slaves to a path of British fortitude in a time of prejudice, Colonial service for African Americans, and acts of selfless service proving loyalty for an underserving nation. The Continental Army proved to be a superior force for the invading British forces during America’s War for Independence. George Washington organized formed a devastating Army that stood the test of time to become the Nation we have today. African American’s who previously served could not reenlist. Washington did not allow new African Americans to serve either.

The 54th Massachusetts was led by white soldiers like Colonel Robert Shaw, which is the son of wealthy abolitionist. During their first battle it caused the death of many troops. They were not paid equally but it proved that they can fight in the battles. Some black units like 54th Massachusetts infantry refused to receive unequal payments. Which led to Lincoln’s administration and Congress to give them equal pay and earn respect. The black soldiers inspired other black men to enlist in the war. Through the black soldiers courage and sacrifice they pushed African American to fight for their

Prejudice was also very evident towards African Americans in the Union forces in that they were usually assigned to labor duties, such as cleaning camps, building defenses and garrison duty, and in many cases not allowed to fight. Up until 1864, there was even a difference in pay for black soldiers, and they were not allowed to be commissioned officers.

At this time it was also declared that Blacks were allowed to join the Union army. These announcements were crucial to the Union as they gained support from the Negro communities and politically helped preserve the Union.

In addition, I agree with the statement of the author’s friend when hearing the author’s assessment of the situation, in which he implied that he did not feel race played a part in the incident. The author interprets his words to mean ''Times have changed. The old racial paradigms don't apply'' (Spence Halperin, 2009, n.p.). I am inclined to agree with this statement. The person standing up to defend the child does not need to specifically be black or white. If a similar situation took place on a train with a white mother and child, would only certain people stand up? Would he still feel he needed the validation of the blacks then, or just the whites? It really should be irrelevant. The fact remains that among the silent witnesses on the train, none of them, either white or black, stood up to agree with

The federal government placed many restrictions and discriminatory actions on the black troops. At the beginning of the Civil War, African Americans were not allowed to serve in the U.S. military. By the summer of 1862 it was clear that additional troops were needed. To meet the need, Congress passed two bills that allowed the participation of black soldiers in the Union Army. The Government established segregated units called The Bureau of Colored Troops. The measure lacked popular support and the U.S. Army did not begin recruiting black soldiers until 1863.