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Period: to
The American Civil War
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Second Confiscation and Militia Act is passed
Congress passes the Second Confiscation and Militia Act, which freed all slaves still in captivity in the South. -
Blacks allowed to enlist in Union Army
Shortly after the Second Confiscation and Militia Act was passed, blacks were granted access to enlist in the Union Army. After encouragement from Frederick Douglas, recruitments became steady. -
The Bureau of Colored Troops is established
The Bureau of Colored Troops is established to deal with the new black soldiers. -
Battle of Fort Wagner
During the Battle of Fort Wagner in South Carolina, the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers lost over half of their troops. The 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers was one of the most famous black troops who fought in the Civil War. -
Battle of Fort Pillow
The Battle of Fort Pillow in Tennessee ending with a massacre of black Union troops. Many were killed, and black survivors were held captive and shot to death by the Confederates. -
Equal pay is granted to black and white soldiers
After many protests, Congress finally granted equal salaries to black and white soldiers fighting in the Civil War