The African-American Civil War

Words: 623
Pages: 3
Open Document
Over the course of the 1800’s, the United States experienced immense internal conflict between the North and South over many political issues, but most importantly, the status of African-Americans. As bicker over the morals of slavery escalated, so did the threat of Civil War. Shortly after President Lincoln’s victory in 1861, southern states seceded from the Union, leaving America with an uncertain future. Ultimately, after four years of Civil War, President Lincoln and the North won back the South, and by doing so preserving the Union. Initially the Civil War was fought to settle policy between the Union and Confederacy, but overtime, the debate over the status of African-Americans became the sole and primary factor that shaped Civil War …show more content…
In order to preserve the South’s top economic industry, agriculture, slavery was essential. Up until the Civil War, slaves were considered one’s property, but Major General Ben Butler poses the question “what has been the effect of rebellion and a state of war on their [African-American’s] status” (Source A). Initially, Abraham Lincoln credits preserving the Union the sole reason of Civil War, but once the question of the status of fugitive slaves is asked, it soon becomes the focal point of the war. Lincoln realizes that if slaves are considered contraband, it will help him achieve his goal of coalescing the North and the South. Lincoln himself acknowledges this as he says “they [African-Americans] must be prompted by the strongest motive-even the promise of freedom” (Source C). As the Union recognized the advantage of having slaves help fight for their cause, the course of the war …show more content…
Previously, all over the country, African-American’s were identified as an inferior race, but now seen by the Union as men who “now march in solid platoons” (Source F). In the North, the Revolution was viewed as a success by lessening racial tension. Soon, the Republican-Party-promised amendments ensuring equal rights to every man “without regard to the color of his skin” was achieved (Source H). By African-Americans finally being given basic democratic rights such as voting and citizenship, the “right of suffrage” was given to a new group of
Show More

Related Documents: The African-American Civil War

African Americans In The Civil War Essay

Schools all around need to teach more about the lives of African Americans during the Civil War. Although African Americans in the Civil War played a large role in the North’s success, the treatment by their “brothers-in-arms” failed to exhibit the gratitude due to them. During the Civil War, African Americans were not exactly treated as kindly as they should have been, they played many important roles in winning the war, and African-Americans seeking to enlist were adamantly rejected up until July…

Words 1433 - Pages 6

The Struggle Of African-American Soldiers In The Civil War

The Civil War of was a fight between the North and South States. The Northern states wanted the freedom and equality for all men no matter the color. While the Southern states were wanting to keep slavery alive and prospering. Why do you ask? Well, the South had found a new way of making money besides raising crops, they were in the industry of slave trading. In other words, slaves were like cattle, they would use the African women as baby factories in order to provide slaves to sell at the market…

Words 835 - Pages 4

African Americans After The Civil War Research Paper

African Americans after the civil war African Americans enjoyed freedom and rights that their slaves’ ancestors could only dream of after the Civil War. Nearly a quarter of a million slaves received education in 1869. Although they faced discrimination during the end of 19th and the 20th century and a lot of white people didn’t like the idea that African Americans should have an education. The Southern government created a law called “Black Codes” that prevents former slaves from enjoying the benefits…

Words 291 - Pages 2

John Wilkes Booth: The African-American Civil War

President Abraham Lincoln flirtation with African American civil rights, John Wilkes Booth wanting to bring back gory to a fallen Confederate Army, and lastly John Wilkes Booth deep hate toward the President of the United States because of his assault of the deep South. Individually, each of these points hold little weight within each other and for most historian’s each of these points would be wrist away as they hold no weight in history, but together these three points created a six-year storm…

Words 1137 - Pages 5

Why Did African Americans Fight In The Civil War?

The Civil War was a very harmful series of wars that led different parties of the government to divide. Both sides of the parties had to let African American slaves fight at the end even though they were very hesitant. African Americans fought in the war for their freedom. If they didn't fight in the war, then America wouldn't be the way that it is now. Fredrick Douglass was a very important person during the Civil War. Fredrick Douglass was an African American man that had to fight for the…

Words 389 - Pages 2

Essay Topics And Rubrics: African Americans In The Civil War

Malik McFarlane Period 1 5/27/2015 Essay Topics + Rubrics Topics Essay #1 – African Americans in the civil war Essay #2- Ellis Island and Angel Island Essay #3- History of the Panama Canal Essay #4- Prohibition Essay #5- Japanese internment camps Rubric 4 3 2 1 Thesis Statement and Introduction; Conclusion Thesis statement answers the question completely and clearly. Introduction presents clear and complete summary of evidence to be used in support of thesis…

Words 549 - Pages 3

Frederick And Anna Douglass: The Role Of African Americans In The Civil War

By the time of the Civil War, Douglass was one of the most famous black men in the country. He used his status to influence the role of African Americans in the war and their status in the country. In 1863, Douglass talked with President Abraham Lincoln regarding the treatment of black soldiers, and later with President Andrew Johnson on the subject of black suffrage. became the first African American nominated for vice president of the United States as Victoria woodhull's running mate on the Equal…

Words 114 - Pages 1

Civil War Dbq Research Paper

The Civil War was one of the deadliest wars in American History. It started in 1861 and lasted till 1865. Numerous reasons for the outbreak of the war included differences and tensions between slavery between the North and South. Also, when Abraham Lincoln became president, it caused even more tensions between the North and South causing the South to secede from the Union. After many years of fighting , the Confederate general, Robert E. Lee, surrendered to the Union confirming victory for the North…

Words 812 - Pages 4

African Americans in America Essay example

African Americans in America: The Fight Name HIS204: American History Since 1865 Dr. Kirk Strawbridge 30 Sep 13 African Americans have struggled with freedom before America was even a country. Freedom is something that Americans today take for granted. We look at third world countries that continue to exercise discrimination and segregation and America looks down on them. American’s fight wars to protect those discriminated against in other countries. We are almost numb to the…

Words 2143 - Pages 9

Buffalo: American Civil War and Infantry Regiments Essay

Museum and learn more about not only African American history but American history as well. The goal of the Buffalo Soldier Museum is to interpret, articulate, collect, display and preserve historical artifacts, documents, videos, prints and other historical memorabilia which details the history of the brave men and women who overcame extreme adversity while gallantly fighting the great American wars. African Americans have served proudly in every great American war. In 1866, through an act of Congress…

Words 1602 - Pages 7