Posted: September 5th, 2022

Discuss the role of African Americans or Native American Indians in

Discuss the role of African Americans or Native American Indians in the civil war.
The civil war that occurred between 1861 and 1865 involved both the southern and the northern states. It was a battle between the Union Army and the Confederacy. Although the African Americans and Native American Indians received racial discrimination, they participated in the war.
Even though the 1792 federal law barred African Americans from accessing arms, the need for military personnel led to its abolishment. Emancipation occurred at a time when there was a need for military service. The number of former slaves rose, and there were a few white soldiers. The Union needed more soldiers, and Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation that allowed the recruitment of black soldiers.
At first, the turnout was low. However, after pleas from the black leaders such as Frederick Douglas, who plead with African Americans to participate in the war so that they can acquire full citizenship, the number increased. The Bureau of Colored Troops was established by the government to manage the growing number of African Americans.
Approximately 179 000 black people were involved in the war, 40 000 died. Apart from the involvement of black soldiers in artillery and infantry, they also performed non-combat tasks such as cooking, carpentry, guarding, and spying. Black women acted as nurses, spies, and scouts during the war. Other black men were laborers, char plains, steamboat pilots, and surgeons.
Whites discriminated against African Americans. Unlike the white soldiers who received a wage of 13$ without any deductions, the black soldiers got 10$. They were deducted 3$ for clothing leading to a net salary of $7. Black soldiers participated in the battle at Nashville, LA Petersburg, and Port Hudson.
Although the Native American Indians were hesitant to join the war, and they preferred to maintain a neutral position, they ended up participating. They fought for both the Union and the Confederate States. Some of the Native American Indian soldiers received training. Sharpshooters received training on how to perfect the art.
Close to 26 693 native American Indians participated in the war. Although some handled smaller tasks such as cooking and guarding, other soldiers were at the frontline. They participated in various battles during the war. They fought at Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, and Poison Spring. Initially, the Native American Indians participated in the fights within their territory, but at some point, the general of the confederate forces received orders to take them to Arkansas.
References
Forbes, Ella. African American women during the civil war. Routledge, 1998.
Smith, John David, ed. Black soldiers in blue: African American troops in the Civil War era. Univ of North Carolina Press, 2002.
Hauptman, L. M. (1996). Between Two Fires: American Indians in the Civil War. Simon and Schuster.

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