![]() Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery to become a famous abolitionist leader, stated “We are ready and would go.” But prejudice against black people - both free and slave - was strong and deep in the North as well as the South. (Wikimedia Commons)Īs soon as the Civil War began, many free black men in the North wanted to fight for the Union cause. Native Louisiana Guards volunteered for the Union Army and formed the first unofficial units of black troops. Placed in racially segregated infantry, artillery, and cavalry regiments, these troops were almost always led by white officers. ![]() Even after they eventually entered the Union ranks, black soldiers continued to struggle for equal treatment. But at first they were denied the right to fight by a prejudiced public and a reluctant government. Nearly 180,000 free black men and escaped slaves served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |