African American Troops in the Civil War

The American Civil War lasted from 1861 through 1865 and was a turning point in the history of the United States. Over 180,000 African Americans fought in this war, on both sides of the battle. They were instrumental in the Northern Victory over the Confederacy.

The life of a colored soldier was not an easy one. The treatment of most colored soldiers was sub-standard, and they often bore the brunt of ridicule and violence. Although they fought as equals, they were not treated the same as the white soldiers. They were paid less than white soldiers, only making $7.00 a month, compared to the $10.00 a month that the other soldiers were receiving. African American units were given the most dangerous and least desirable missions, resulting in a higher percentage of colored soldiers being killed or injured.  The total number of African American soldiers who died during the Civil War was around 37,000.

This did not stop the all-black troops from claiming major victories during their fight for freedom. The most celebrated unit during the Civil War was the 54^th Massachusetts. They were involved in the Attack at Fort Wagner, and the Battle of Ulustee. The unit was recognized by Congress for their bravery, and William Carney, a member of the unit, became the first black American to receive the Medal of Honor.

African American troops in the Civil War were fighting for more than the preservation of the Union. They were fighting for their freedom and for equality. Although it would take more than 100 years before their dream of equality would be realized, the African Americans who fought in the Civil War took a huge step in the right direction through their service to the country.

General History

• History of African Americans in the Civil War
• Colored Troops in the American Civil War
• Fight for Rights: Black Soldiers in the Civil War
• History of Colored Troops in the American Civil War
• The Civil War: Judgment Day
• Preserving the Legacy of the Colored Troops
• African American Soldiers During the Civil War
• African Americans in the Civil War: Equality Earned with Blood
• Life as a Black Union Soldier in the Civil War
• Black Soldiers in the Civil War

Documents and Photographs

• The Valley of the Shadow- Civil War Documents
• Photographs and Prints Reading Room

Important People

• Black Heroes in Every War
• William H. Carney – First Black US Soldier to receive the Medal of Honor
• The 54th Massachusetts Infantry

Civil War History

• The American Civil War Home Page
• The American Civil War

Resource Lists

• United States Colored Troops in the Civil War
• University of Northern Texas American Civil War Web Resources
• Civil War: African American Soldiers

Books

• Colored Troops in the American Civil War Reference Books
• African Americans Soldiers in the Civil War: Books and Articles

Other

• The African American Civil War Monument