Tuesday, January 8, 2008 African-Americans Fight for the Cause of Freedom

1. Why did President Lincoln fear recruitment of African-American soldiers?

President Lincoln had also feared that if he authorized their recruitment, border states would secede from the Union.

2. The Black soldiers wanted to fight but they were often assigned non-combat duties. What were two non-combat duties assigned to these soldiers?

African-American soldiers being assigned to perform non-combat, support duties as cooks, laborers, and teamsters.

3. What discrimination in pay did African-American soldiers face?

African-American soldiers were paid $10 per month, from which $3 was deducted for clothing. White soldiers were paid $13 per month, from which no clothing allowance was deducted.

4. What percentage of the army was made up of African-American soldiers?

African-American soldiers comprised about 10 percent of the Union Army. It is estimated that one-third of all African Americans who enlisted lost their lives.

5. Approximately how many African-American soldiers served in the Civil War?

Approximately 180,000 African-American soldiers had joined the fight.