13.1 African Americans in the Union and Confederate Armies
3 min read•august 9, 2024
African Americans played a crucial role in the Civil War, fighting for both the Union and Confederate armies. The formation of the United States Colored Troops in 1863 allowed 180,000 Black men to enlist, showcasing their bravery in major battles despite facing discrimination and unequal pay.
The Confederacy also attempted to utilize Black manpower, primarily for non-combat roles. The , initially serving the Confederacy, later switched allegiance to the Union. Black soldiers made significant contributions in battles like Fort Pillow and Petersburg, while 20,000 African Americans served in the Union Navy.
United States Colored Troops (USCT)
Formation and Significance of USCT
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- United States Colored Troops established in 1863 allowed African Americans to serve in the Union Army
- Approximately 180,000 African American men enlisted in the USCT throughout the Civil War
- USCT units fought in major battles and campaigns demonstrating bravery and skill in combat
- became one of the most famous USCT units led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw
- 54th Massachusetts participated in the assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina on July 18, 1863
- Fort Wagner attack resulted in heavy casualties for the 54th Massachusetts but showcased their courage and determination
Challenges and Inequalities Faced by Black Soldiers
- Black soldiers initially received lower pay than white soldiers (13 for white soldiers)
- sparked protests and refusals to accept unequal wages among USCT units
- Congress passed legislation in 1864 granting equal pay to all soldiers regardless of race
- Black soldiers faced and assignments within the Union Army
- USCT units often assigned to manual labor and support roles rather than combat positions
- actively recruited African American men to join the Union Army
- Douglass emphasized and equal rights for African Americans
Confederate Recruitment of Black Soldiers
Confederate Attempts to Utilize Black Manpower
- authorized the use of enslaved African Americans for non-combat roles in the Confederate Army
- Act allowed for the impressment of up to 20,000 enslaved individuals for military labor
- Confederate government debated the possibility of arming enslaved individuals as soldiers late in the war
- proposed arming slaves in exchange for freedom but faced strong opposition
- Confederate Congress passed a bill in March 1865 allowing for the but had little practical effect
Louisiana Native Guards and Black Confederate Service
- Louisiana Native Guards formed in New Orleans in 1861 as a militia unit of free men of color
- Initially served the Confederacy but later switched allegiance to the Union after New Orleans fell
- Some enslaved individuals served as body servants or laborers for Confederate officers
- Limited number of free blacks in the South voluntarily joined Confederate forces early in the war
- Debate continues among historians about the extent and nature of black Confederate service
Black Soldiers in Union Battles
Significant Engagements and Contributions
- in Tennessee on April 12, 1864 involved USCT units defending the fort
- Confederate forces under Nathan Bedford Forrest captured Fort Pillow resulting in high casualties among black soldiers
- Allegations of a massacre of surrendering black soldiers at Fort Pillow fueled controversy and Union propaganda
- USCT units participated in the and the in 1864
- Black soldiers played crucial roles in the Battles of New Market Heights and Deep Bottom in Virginia
African Americans in Naval Operations
- Approximately 20,000 African Americans served in the Union Navy during the Civil War
- Black sailors integrated into naval crews more readily than their army counterparts
- served on various types of vessels (ironclads, gunboats, supply ships)
- Black naval personnel performed roles such as gunners, pilots, and cooks aboard Union ships
- Notable black sailors included Robert Smalls who commandeered a Confederate ship and delivered it to Union forces
Key Terms to Review (19)
54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment: The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was one of the first official African American units in the United States Armed Forces, formed during the Civil War. It played a crucial role in fighting for the Union while also representing a significant step towards the recognition of African American soldiers in the military. Their bravery and determination in battle helped to challenge racial stereotypes and proved the effectiveness of black troops.
African American sailors: African American sailors were individuals of African descent who served on naval vessels, particularly during the Civil War, contributing significantly to both the Union and Confederate navies. These sailors often faced discrimination and inequality but played crucial roles in naval battles and maritime operations, highlighting their importance in the broader context of military efforts and the fight for freedom.
African American Service in the Union Navy: African American service in the Union Navy refers to the participation of Black sailors in the naval forces of the United States during the Civil War. This involvement was significant as it showcased the contributions and bravery of African Americans in combat roles, challenging prevailing racial stereotypes and advancing the cause for their rights and freedoms.
Battle of Fort Pillow: The Battle of Fort Pillow was a significant Civil War battle fought on April 12, 1864, near Memphis, Tennessee, where Union troops, including a large contingent of African American soldiers, faced a brutal assault by Confederate forces. This battle is remembered for its controversial aftermath, particularly the massacre of black soldiers who were captured, highlighting the racial tensions and the brutal realities of war. The events at Fort Pillow raised questions about the treatment of African American troops and the nature of warfare during this period.
Battle of Fort Wagner: The Battle of Fort Wagner was a significant military engagement that took place in July 1863 during the American Civil War, primarily known for the fierce fighting by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first official African American units in the Union Army. This battle highlighted the bravery and determination of African American soldiers in the fight for their rights and recognition, while also showcasing the challenges they faced in gaining acceptance within the Union forces. The attack on Fort Wagner demonstrated both the strategic importance of controlling coastal defenses and the evolving role of African Americans in military service.
Battle of the Crater: The Battle of the Crater was a significant battle during the American Civil War that took place on July 30, 1864, as part of the Petersburg Campaign. It involved a disastrous Union attack following the detonation of a mine beneath Confederate defenses, creating a massive crater that soldiers from the United States Colored Troops (USCT) attempted to exploit. This battle showcased the critical role of African American soldiers in the Union Army, highlighting both their bravery and the challenges they faced in gaining equal recognition and effective leadership in combat situations.
Confederate Labor Act of 1864: The Confederate Labor Act of 1864 was legislation passed by the Confederate States of America to facilitate the use of enslaved labor for military purposes. This act aimed to address labor shortages in the Confederate Army and support war efforts by allowing for the conscription of enslaved individuals to work on fortifications, railroads, and other critical infrastructure. This move also highlighted the reliance of the Confederacy on slavery as a cornerstone of its economy and military strategy during the Civil War.
Contraband: Contraband refers to enslaved people who escaped to Union lines during the Civil War, seeking freedom and safety. This term illustrates the complex relationship between the Union's military efforts and the plight of enslaved individuals, as it also highlights how these individuals were seen as property by the Confederacy but gained a new status under Union control. The use of the term symbolizes the broader struggle for emancipation and reflects the changing perceptions of slavery and freedom during this period.
Discrimination in promotions: Discrimination in promotions refers to the unfair treatment of individuals in the workplace based on race, gender, age, or other characteristics, which affects their chances of being promoted. This often leads to systemic barriers that prevent certain groups, particularly African Americans during the Civil War era, from advancing to higher ranks and positions of authority in military and civilian roles. Such practices not only diminish morale among affected individuals but also hinder the overall progress of equality and representation within organizations.
Enlistment of black soldiers: The enlistment of black soldiers refers to the recruitment and service of African American men in military units during the Civil War, particularly within the Union Army. This significant development marked a turning point in both military policy and the perception of African Americans, as it highlighted their contributions to the war effort and their quest for freedom and equality.
Frederick Douglass: Frederick Douglass was a prominent African American abolitionist, writer, and speaker born into slavery in 1818 who became a leading figure in the fight against slavery and for civil rights. His powerful oratory and compelling autobiographies helped to highlight the injustices of slavery, making him a key voice in both the abolitionist movement and the broader struggle for equality and social justice.
General Patrick Cleburne: General Patrick Cleburne was a prominent Confederate general during the American Civil War, known for his strategic prowess and leadership in several significant battles. He is often referred to as the 'Stonewall of the West' due to his resilience on the battlefield and his innovative tactics, particularly in his advocacy for the enlistment of African American soldiers into the Confederate Army. Cleburne's proposals highlighted a unique perspective within the Confederacy, challenging prevailing attitudes towards race and military service.
Logistical support: Logistical support refers to the planning, implementation, and coordination of the movement and maintenance of military forces and their supplies. In the context of African Americans in the Union and Confederate Armies, logistical support was crucial for ensuring that troops had the necessary resources, including food, equipment, and medical care, to effectively engage in combat. This term highlights the importance of efficient supply lines and the organization needed to sustain military operations during the Civil War.
Louisiana Native Guards: The Louisiana Native Guards were a regiment of free African American soldiers formed during the American Civil War, specifically in 1862, to serve in the Union Army. They played a crucial role in showcasing the military capabilities of African Americans and challenging the prevailing notions about their role in combat and society during this tumultuous period.
Military service as a path to citizenship: Military service as a path to citizenship refers to the practice where individuals, particularly marginalized groups, can gain full citizenship rights through their enlistment and service in the armed forces. This idea became particularly relevant during the Civil War when African Americans fought for both their freedom and recognition as equal citizens within the United States, challenging existing notions of race and citizenship.
Pay disparity: Pay disparity refers to the unequal compensation received by different groups of workers for the same or similar work. In the context of African Americans serving in the Union and Confederate Armies, pay disparity highlights the significant differences in wages based on race and the systemic inequalities faced by African American soldiers compared to their white counterparts. This issue sheds light on broader themes of discrimination, equity, and the struggle for fair treatment during and after the Civil War.
Public perception of black soldiers: The public perception of black soldiers refers to the attitudes, beliefs, and societal views regarding African American individuals serving in military roles during the Civil War era. This perception was shaped by various factors, including prevailing racial stereotypes, the contributions of black soldiers to the war effort, and the broader societal context regarding race and citizenship. The perception fluctuated over time, often influenced by military performance, propaganda, and the evolving role of African Americans in society.
Siege of Petersburg: The Siege of Petersburg was a prolonged military confrontation during the American Civil War from June 1864 to April 1865, where Union forces laid siege to the city of Petersburg, Virginia, which was a critical supply center for the Confederate Army. This siege played a vital role in the Union's strategy to cut off Confederate resources and ultimately contributed to the fall of Richmond, the Confederate capital. The involvement of African American soldiers on both sides during this siege is significant, as it highlights their growing participation in the war and their efforts in support of the Union cause.
United States Colored Troops (USCT): The United States Colored Troops (USCT) was a designation used during the American Civil War for the regiments of African American soldiers who fought for the Union. These troops played a crucial role in the war effort, showcasing the bravery and military capability of Black soldiers and challenging the prevailing notions of racial inferiority at the time. Their contributions significantly impacted the Union’s ability to fight, while also serving as a pivotal moment in the broader struggle for African American rights and citizenship.