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The war begins
In 1861 after the battle of Fort Sumter the war begins. But blacks aren't allowed to fight because arming them at the time was considered dangerous. -
Reversing the fugitive slave laws
Congress also passed a law reversing the fugitive slave laws and allowing all African Americans that escaped to the north to be seen as citizens -
enlisting blacks in the war
Before this whites were scared to give slaves guns. But slaves ended up giving the Union the soldiers that they needed (180,000) that were also committed defeating the South to free others. This allowed blacks to enlist in the army -
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Blacks enlisted
Between July 17, 1862 and the end of the war almost 180,000 blacks enlisted to the army -
Emacipation proclamation
The Emancipation proclamation imediately set 50,000 slaves free. This didn't only hurt the South's economy it also increased the number of black soldiers because many traveled North and enlisted in the army. -
The 54th regiment
In january of 1863 the 54th regiment of massachusetts was formed. This was the most influential group of black soldiers during the war. -
Battle of Fort Wagner
When the Union first attempted to attack and capture this fort it was a disaster. We lost 339 soldiers while the confederates lost only 12. -
proving they are equipped for battle
1st Kansas colered faught Confederate forces, who were lead by General douglas cooper. They were successful in the attack and won the battle, even more important is that they proved African Americans could fight -
The second attack on Fort Wagner
In this battle the 54th regiment of Massechusetts attacked Fort Wagner, a very important, well protected area (near Charleston which was important for blockade running). While they lost not only the battle but almost half the soldiers they showed courage and determination while inspiring other blacks to fight. -
Fighting for equality in the army
In June of 1864 blacks were givin equal pay to whites starting the movement to racial equality post-war
