Black American's experience in civil war Flashcards
Could black people join the Unions army? (1861)
NO, a law passed in 1792 prevented them and Lincoln would not change it due to fear the slave holding border states might join the confederacy
What jobs were given to Black Americans in the north?
Similar labour tasks to those they did in the confederate army
what did the Lincoln’s law in 1862 mean?
Slaves could legally be held as contraband of war meaning they could work for the army instead of being sent back. THEY STILL COULD NOT BE SOLDIERS .
Who were the northern volunteers?
Freed slaves(mainly women) went to sea islands to offer freed slaves healthcare and education
What did southern slaves do in the confederate army?
NOT ALLOWED TO FIGHT. used to build defences or moved supplies hoping to gain freedom from work
What were the arguments about who owned freed slaves?
Southerners furious their freed slaves used for labour in north so demanded ‘hostages’ back. North argued that because south seen them as property they cold be held hostage
What happened at the sea islands?
Freed slaves kept the island and farmed for themselves setting up a town called Mitch Ville
What was the turning point for black Americans?
The emancipation proclamation 1863. If the confederacy didn’t surrender all slaves would be freed and no surrender came.
What was the 54th Massachusetts coloured regiment?
The first northern black regiment formed from freed slaves. 70% of northern black men joined the army.
Why was black men in the army a huge deal?
White men fighting alongside them began to think of them as real people
Was there still racism in the army?
They were treated worse by white generals and were often giving heavy labour duties. They were also paid less until June 1864. Black soldiers could also not serve as officers
What was 1863 New York conscription act?
A act requiring all men aged 20-45 to join the union army. Rich men could pay $300 to avoid this
What was the result of the 1863 New York conscription act?
4 days of lynching, burning, drowning and beating of black people due to the feeling that white working class were forced to fight for African American freedom
Did slavery still exist after the confederacy was stopped?
White investors from the north rented out union land and payed freed slaves to work as labourers and pick cotton. Ex-slaves couldn’t leave the plantations and payment was very limited(only enough for money and clothes)
What did General Sherman promise the freed slaves who joined him on his march through Georgia?
“40 Acres and a mule” from slave holder’s land
