What Role Did Slavery Play In The Civil War Essay
Slavery was amongst the main reasons the civil war broke out. Both slaves and free black men played an influential role in the civil war. Most of the blacks who actually fought in combat were fighting for the Union. The blacks that “fought” for the confederacy did not actually go into full-fledged combat. Instead they did chores and other things that helped confederate soldiers. The union army was reluctant to put blacks into combat. This was because of racism. Many of the Union officers believed black soldiers were not as skilled or as brave as the white men were. The union thought that the blacks were better suited as carpenters, cooks, guards, scouts, and teamsters. These black soldiers were also in danger if they were captured in battle.
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In an 1890 census it lists that 3,273 African Americans who claimed to be Confederate veterans. In the confederate navy it was unlawful to have more than 5 percent of the seamen to be black. Many blacks served as stewards or highly skilled tidewater pilots. 10% of the Union army was comprised of those of African descent. African American losses were very high. About 20% of black soldiers lost their lives during the Civil War. Very similar to the union army the need for more black soldiers rose towards the end of the war. In the union navy about 16% of its ranks were supplied by African Americans. Becoming a commissioned officer was nearly impossible for black sailors. Very rarely a petty officer position would be offered to black sailors. On July 17th, 1863, at Honey Springs which is now Oklahoma, the 1st Kansas Colored Regiment fought with extreme courage once again. Under James Blunt, the union forces ran into a strong rebel force. After a two-hour blood filled battle, the Confederates surrender. After the battle Blunt wrote, “I have never saw such fighting by a negro regiment….The question that Negros will fight is settled; besides they make better soldiers in every respect than any troops I Have ever had in my command. “Negros with no doubt proved themselves on the battle field but
In an 1890 census it lists that 3,273 African Americans who claimed to be Confederate veterans. In the confederate navy it was unlawful to have more than 5 percent of the seamen to be black. Many blacks served as stewards or highly skilled tidewater pilots. 10% of the Union army was comprised of those of African descent. African American losses were very high. About 20% of black soldiers lost their lives during the Civil War. Very similar to the union army the need for more black soldiers rose towards the end of the war. In the union navy about 16% of its ranks were supplied by African Americans. Becoming a commissioned officer was nearly impossible for black sailors. Very rarely a petty officer position would be offered to black sailors. On July 17th, 1863, at Honey Springs which is now Oklahoma, the 1st Kansas Colored Regiment fought with extreme courage once again. Under James Blunt, the union forces ran into a strong rebel force. After a two-hour blood filled battle, the Confederates surrender. After the battle Blunt wrote, “I have never saw such fighting by a negro regiment….The question that Negros will fight is settled; besides they make better soldiers in every respect than any troops I Have ever had in my command. “Negros with no doubt proved themselves on the battle field but