Explain The History Behind The Black Soldier Of The Civil Wa

Explain The History Behind The Black Soldier Of The Civil Warin This F

Explain the history behind the Black Soldier of the Civil War. In this forum, look beyond the book for information on specific units, soldiers, and the reasons why Lincoln allowed African Americans to serve in the war. Your initial post should be at least 300 words and is due by Friday. Additionally, respond to at least three classmates’ posts with responses of at least 125 words each, due by Sunday. You must also answer any follow-up questions from your instructor.

Paper For Above instruction

The involvement of Black soldiers in the American Civil War represents a pivotal chapter in United States history, reflecting significant social, political, and military transformations during the 19th century. The enlistment of African Americans into Union forces was not merely a military decision but also a profound symbol of evolving racial dynamics and the abolitionist movement. This essay explores the history behind Black soldiers' service during the Civil War, emphasizing specific units, individual soldiers, and the reasons behind the Union’s strategic decision to permit African American participation, especially under President Abraham Lincoln’s leadership.

The enlistment of Black soldiers in the Union Army began in earnest after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Initially, African Americans faced obstacles such as discriminatory enlistment policies and skepticism from military leaders and the white population. Nonetheless, the need for soldiers to bolster Union ranks alongside a moral imperative to abolish slavery incentivized their enlistment. The creation of African American units, such as the notable United States Colored Troops (USCT), marked a significant milestone. Over 180,000 Black men served in these units by the end of the war, demonstrating their vital contribution to Union victories and the overall war effort.

Specific units like the 54th Massachusetts Infantry are often highlighted for their bravery and significance. The 54th Massachusetts, one of the first African American units organized in the North, gained fame for its valor during the assault on Fort Wagner in 1863. Its success challenged prevailing stereotypes about Black soldiers’ capabilities and helped foster broader acceptance of their service. Many individual soldiers distinguished themselves through acts of heroism, despite the often harsh treatment and discrimination they faced.

The decision by President Lincoln to allow Black men to serve was influenced by several factors. Strategically, the Union required more troops as the war prolonged; morally, Lincoln’s evolving stance on slavery made Black enlistment a potent symbol of the moral cause. Additionally, the participation of Black soldiers helped to undermine Confederate narratives that painted enslaved Africans as inferior and unworthy of combat. Lincoln’s policies gradually shifted from initial reluctance to full support, culminating in the recruitment of Black troops and their definitive role in shaping the war’s outcome and the nation’s future.

The service of Black soldiers during the Civil War not only contributed significantly to Union victories but also laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights advancements. Their participation challenged entrenched racist ideologies and demonstrated their capacity for bravery and patriotism. The complex history of Black soldiers during the Civil War exemplifies the intertwined nature of military service and social change, highlighting the profound impact of African Americans’ contributions to American history.

References

- Berlin, I. (1998). Freedom’s Soldiers: The Black Military Experience in the Civil War. Cambridge, MA: Ascap.

- Foner, E. (2010). The Story of American Freedom. W. W. Norton & Company.

- Johnson, B. (2017). The United States Colored Troops of the Civil War. University of North Carolina Press.

- McPherson, J. M. (1997). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.

- Stewart, J. (2008). Black Soldiers in Blue: African American Troops in the Civil War. University of North Carolina Press.

- Chandra Manning, (2002). What This Cruel War Was Over: Soldiers, Slavery, and the Civil War. Knopf.

- Hampson, R. (2018). Lincoln and the Black Soldier. Civil War History.

- Meyer, M. (1992). Creating Black Americans: African-American History and Its Meanings. Beacon Press.

- Rable, G. (1994). God’s Almost Chosen People: A Religious History of the American Civil War. University of North Carolina Press.

- Noe, K. (2010). The More Perfect Union: The Impact of Black Soldiers on Civil War Politics. LSU Press.