Throughout the history of America, the landmarking Civil War was a defining moment in the country that witnessed the participation of Black soldiers in the American military for the first time. The battle was fought between the Northerners and Southerners over the issue of slavery. Most importantly, the War was fought during an age when America was racially discriminated against enslaved black people. However, despite facing racial discrimination and other systemic challenges, Black people fought to participate in the War, whereby their role changed the course of American history. This paper seeks to analyze the contribution of Black soldiers in the military, pointing out their resilience, impacts, and fight against systemic barriers. Ultimately, Black soldiers contributed significantly to the victory of the Union, defying racial discrimination and illustrating their perseverance and patriotism, eventually playing a role in the abolition of slavery.

Initially, Black soldiers were not allowed to enlist in the military, fueled by a systemic policy dating back to the eighteenth century. Evidently, “the federal law dating back to 1792 barred enslaved African Americans from bearing arms for the U.S. army” (Weidman, 2019). The reason behind the exclusion was that the Union, including the then president Abraham Lincoln, feared secession from some border States. Nonetheless, as the War lasted longer and the number of white soldiers volunteering declined, the Union was forced to reconsider the ban. Consequently, the landmarking “1862 Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln” opened doors for African Americans to be enlisted in the military (Library of Congress, 2020). In addition, the proclamation led to the creation of “the Bureau of Colored Troops,” which allowed Black men to fight for their freedom (Weidman, 2019). As a result, black soldiers from states like Tennessee and Massachusetts volunteered to fight for the Union during the Civil War. As the War ended, nearly one hundred and eighty thousand Black men fought in the War. At the same time, approximately thirty-seven thousand of them lost their lives in the course of the War.

Although Black men were eventually allowed to enlist in the military during the aforementioned War, these men were subjected to prejudice and racial discrimination. For instance, they fought separately from White troops despite being commanded by White soldiers. Evidently, “segregated units were formed with Black enlisted men and typically commanded by white Officers and black noncommissioned officers” (Weidman, 2019). In terms of pay, Black soldiers were initially paid less compared to White soldiers. “Black soldiers were paid $10 per month, from which $3 was automatically deducted for clothing, resulting in a net pay of $7. In contrast, white soldiers received $13 per month from which no clothing allowance was drawn” (Weidman, 2019). What is even more horrifying is the fact that when black soldiers were captured by the Confederacy, they were severely punished and even executed, unlike White Soldiers. Despite all the oppression and discrimination, Black men fighting in the army persevered and were motivated by their desire for racial equality and freedom.

Most importantly, Black men fought valiantly in various battles throughout the course of the War. Some of the notable battlefield victories were won by Black troops. Accordingly, “Black infantrymen fought gallantly at Milliken’s Bend, LA; Port Hudson, LA; Petersburg, VA; and Nashville, TN. The July 1863 assault on Fort Wagner, SC, by the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts, all Black regiment volunteers” was distinguishable even though it was not successful (Weidman, 2019). When the conflict was over, “almost twenty black soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their distinguished contributions and bravery in the War” (Weidman, 2019). On the other hand, fueled by prejudice and discrimination, some Black soldiers served beyond battlefields. They were assigned various non-combat support duties. These supportive positions included working as “carpenters, chaplains, cooks, guards, laborers, nurses, scouts, spies, steamboat pilots, surgeons, and teamsters” (Weidman, 2019). Apparently, their roles in the battle extended beyond the front lines. Also, their roles included serving in the U.S. Navy, where Black sailors served in Union warships. In the end, Black soldier’s bravery and patriotism prompted the Victory of the Union as well as paving the way for slavery abolition, freedom, and citizenship of African Americans (Library of Congress, 2020). Most importantly, their participation and victories in the War disapproved of the concept that Black people were inferior to White people as, well as demonstrated their abilities as brave and skilled soldiers.

To sum up, it is evident that Black soldiers contributed significantly to the Civil War, whereby their participation was a vital turning point in American history. From the above discussion, it is clear that Black men were initially not allowed to bear arms or enlist in the military. However, as the fight dragged on and the number of White volunteers dropped, the Union was forced to enlist Black men to stand a chance against the Confederacy. Unfortunately, after their enlistment, Black soldiers were subjected to immense challenges and prejudice. They were segregated, and their regiments were all-black despite being led by White officers. Despite their challenges, black soldiers fought valiantly and contributed to the victory of the Union and other significant battles throughout the War. It was through their contribution that African Americans eventually gained their freedom and citizenship, which later laid the foundation for the civil rights movement. Clearly, the story of Black soldiers in the aforementioned War is that of bravery, perseverance, and unwavering determination in the face of racial discrimination, oppression, and prejudice.