African-American troops in the Civil War (1861-1865)

Abstract

Black Soldiers in the Union Blue during the American Civil War proved themselves as the more courageous and efficient soldiers as compared to Whites. They won more Medal of Honors as compared to Whites. More of them died during the was , but the cause they were fighting was not the war between the states. They were fighting for freedom and to bring an end to slavery in United States. The Black had proven that the African American fight was for the justice, freedom and equity.

Introduction4

Discussion5

The Medal of Honor5

Civil Rights of Black Soldiers during Civil War6

Conclusion8

Endnotes1

African-American troops in the Civil War (1861-1865)

Introduction

The history of United States cites many revolutions and turning points among them The American Civil War (1861-1865) is one of them. African Americans called the Black Troops had a wide contribution and more than 180, 000 of the armed men took part in the battle. American Civil war is also called as the “War Between the States”. The Civil war was fought between 11 Southern Salve States who joined together and formed the Confederate States of America called as the “Confederacy”. The Confederacy fought against the US federal Government comprises of all free states and 5 slave states from the border called the “Union”.

The life of a Black Man as a soldier in the American army was not easy. They had to face diplomacy, sub standards and often violence and ridiculous attitudes of the officials. The dilemma was they fought equally well as white soldiers of the army , but the distribution of rights was not the same. The injustice was paying them less for their services as compared to the white nationals. The groups mainly comprising of Black men were placed on dangerous missions. The severity of battle at those points was undesirable resulting in deaths and injuries. African Americans who lost the battle of life during the Civil war were around 37, 000.

Despite of all this history could not stop saluting and appreciating the contributions made by African Americans during the Civil war. Their fight for freedom named them with victories which could not have been possible without them. The most important and remarkable was 54th Massachusetts during the Civil War. This unit attacked at Fort Wagner , and the Battle of Ulustee is marked for the courageousness and bravery they showed. William Carney, the first African American who received the Medal of Honor was from the same unit.

The purpose for their fight was not the conservation and defense of the Union; rather they were fighting for equality and freedom. Although they had to struggle for long and had to sacrifice for this achievement. The Civil war was a direction which guided them to stand and fight for their rights .

Discussion

The Medal of Honor

Joint Resolution of Congress on 12 July, 1862 instituted The Medal of Honor. It was revised by the Act of 9 July 1918 and the Act of 25 July ...