Transcript Black Soldiers in the Civil War

Pg. 172-173
Emancipation Proclamation
• The Emancipation Proclamation did not
give slaves instant freedom.
• The order from President Lincoln was only
for the states that left the Union – not for
the four border states.
• Until Union troops were sent to the South
to see the order was carried out, many
people remained enslaved.
Northern Victories
• In the months that followed the
Emancipation Proclamation, (January 1,
1863) the North seemed to be winning the
war – but the war was far from over.
• The order gave new hope to Africans and
a new spirit to the North.
Africans and the War
• Africans had fought to
defend the U.S. since the
Revolutionary War.
• Crispus Attucks, a
runaway slave, was the
first man to die for
American freedom at the
Boston Massacre.
• By the start of the Civil
War, blacks were not
allowed to serve in the
army.
Africans and the War
• As the war went on, many Africans
decided to form their own regiments to
fight for the Union.
• They asked Congress to let them enlist.
• In 1862, with no end to the war in sight
and fewer white soldiers joining the army,
Congress agreed.
• More than 186,000 Africans signed up.
Africans and the War
• Africans were not paid as much as white
soldiers.
• Black soldiers were paid $10 per month from
which $3 was automatically deducted for
clothing, resulting in a net pay of $7.
• In contrast, white soldiers received $13 per
month from which no clothing allowance was
drawn.
• Blacks were given poor equipment.
• They often ran out of supplies.
• Confederate soldiers would often enslave or kill
any African soldiers they captured.
Against All Odds
•
•
•
•
•
Africans proved themselves in battle.
They led raids behind Confederate lines.
They served as spies and scouts.
Africans served in almost every battle.
Around 40,000 African soldiers lost their
lives defending the Union. (30,000 of
infection and disease)