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 (10permonthcomparedto13 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