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Although superficially begun as a fight over state’s rights, the
conflict eventually grew into a war to end slavery and make sure
that “all men are equal.” When the war began, there were few
blacks in the army, but by the end, some 200,000 had enlisted in
the USCT (United States Colored Troops). As the Union army moved
through the South, slaves were attracted and often joined the
ranks as cooks or teamsters. By the end of the war, even the
Confederacy was ready to grant freedom to any slaves who joined
their army. These accounts clarify the role of blacks in the war
itself. |
