Black Americans in the Civil War: Crash Course Black American History #18

Summary

This video explores the crucial yet often overlooked role of Black Americans in the Civil War. It highlights their contributions as soldiers, spies, and support workers, particularly after the Emancipation Proclamation allowed them to join the Union Army. Black soldiers made up 10% of the Union forces and fought valiantly, reshaping public perceptions about Black citizenship. The video also touches on the significant roles of Black women, like Harriet Tubman, who worked as spies and strategists. Ultimately, it underscores the ongoing struggle for freedom, concluding with the symbolic end of slavery at Juneteenth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Civil War was the bloodiest conflict in U.S. history, claiming over 750,000 lives.
• 😀 The primary cause of the Civil War was slavery, as confirmed by statements from seceding states and Confederate leaders.
• 😀 Initially, Black Americans were excluded from the Union Army, despite volunteering to fight, due to racist beliefs and a federal law from 1792.
• 😀 The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, while a military strategy, transformed the war into a fight for freedom and prevented European support for the Confederacy.
• 😀 The Union's need for soldiers and Black abolitionists’ pressure led to the recruitment of Black soldiers, totaling 186,000 by the end of the war.
• 😀 Black people had been fighting for freedom long before the Civil War, with many seeking refuge in Union Army camps and participating in manual labor and service roles.
• 😀 Harriet Tubman, known for her role in the Underground Railroad, also served as a spy and led a successful military raid that freed 750 enslaved people.
• 😀 Black women also contributed to the war effort, performing medical work, cooking, and even fighting in some cases, with figures like Susie Baker King Taylor publishing memoirs about their experiences.
• 😀 The involvement of Black soldiers in the war and their heroism helped challenge racist perceptions, pushing for full citizenship rights, as echoed by Frederick Douglass.
• 😀 The Civil War ended in 1865, but slavery did not fully end until Juneteenth in 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom.

Q & A

What was the primary cause of the Civil War according to the transcript?

The primary cause of the Civil War was slavery. The southern states seceded from the Union to preserve their right to maintain slavery, and while the Union initially fought to preserve the Union, the role of slavery became central as the war progressed.

Why were Black soldiers initially excluded from fighting in the Civil War?

Black soldiers were initially excluded due to a Federal law dating back to 1792, which prohibited Black people from bearing arms in the U.S. Army. Additionally, there were widespread racist beliefs about Black people's abilities and loyalty, which led to fears of them being ineffective or even dangerous.

What changed Lincoln’s stance on allowing Black soldiers to fight?

Lincoln’s stance changed due to the Union’s difficulty in recruiting enough white soldiers, the influence of Black abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, and the shifting international dynamics, especially after the Union victory at the Battle of Antietam, which provided the right moment to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

What was the Emancipation Proclamation, and how did it affect Black soldiers?

The Emancipation Proclamation was a military strategy issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declaring the slaves in Confederate states free. It allowed for the recruitment of Black soldiers into the Union army, leading to the enlistment of over 186,000 Black soldiers by the end of the war.

How did Black people contribute to the Civil War before the Emancipation Proclamation?

Before the Emancipation Proclamation, Black people contributed by escaping to Union camps as runaways, working as laborers, servants, and spies. Some also formed unofficial military units in places like South Carolina and Missouri, though these efforts were often disbanded by the government.

What role did Harriet Tubman play in the Civil War?

Harriet Tubman served as a spy for the Union Army, using her knowledge of the South to gather critical intelligence. She also led a successful raid on the Combahee River, freeing 750 enslaved people without losing a single soldier, and recruited Black people to assist with the war effort.

What were contraband camps, and how did they relate to Black people during the Civil War?

Contraband camps were places where escaped slaves, or 'contrabands,' sought refuge in Union-held territories. These camps were established as part of the Confiscation Acts, which allowed Black people who escaped from Confederate-held areas to gain freedom by joining Union forces or working in camps.

What significant shift did Black soldiers bring to the Civil War?

Black soldiers not only fought valiantly, but their participation also changed the perception of Black people’s role in society. Their service challenged racist assumptions and contributed to the argument that Black people deserved full citizenship, as expressed by figures like Frederick Douglass.

How did the Confederate States justify their fight in the Civil War?

The Confederate States justified their fight through statements that emphasized the importance of slavery to their economy and society. Confederate leaders, including Vice President Alexander Stephens, openly declared that the Confederacy was founded on the belief that Black people were inferior and should remain enslaved.

What was the impact of the Civil War on the status of Black Americans after its conclusion?

The Civil War led to the emancipation of enslaved people, but the end of the war did not mark the end of Black Americans' struggle for equality. Even after the war’s official end, many enslaved people in southern states did not achieve freedom until Juneteenth in 1865, and the post-war period remained marked by continued resistance to full Black rights.