The road to freedom from slavery was a long and hard for the African Americans. In the northern states the Civil War began as a fight against the succession of the Confederate states from the Union. Abraham Lincoln, who was President at this time, wanted to save the nation by bringing the southern states back to the Union, but this "Great Emancipator" ironically did not have much intention of freeing the slaves. His greatest interest lie in preventing a war from occurring. However, even he could not stop the outbreak

"Black Soldiers, Union". The American Civil War: A Multicultural Encyclopedia. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier Education Corp, 1994.

According to Smith, when the last bullet had flown, 178,985 African Americans had fought hard and proudly to free the slaves and save their country. Just over 7100 had been commissioned as officers. They had 449 engagement and had fought hard in 39 major battles. Enlisted in the navy were 29,000 black soldiers. Almost 68,200 African Americans were listed dead or missing. Congressional Medals of Honor were given to 17 soldiers (329).

Ward, Geoffrey C. The Civil War. NewYork: Alfred A Knoff Inc, 1990.

Being allowed to prove themselves in an engagement was now the greatest challenge African Americans faced. Robert Shaw of the 54th Massachusetts demanded that his regiment be given the opportunity to engage in battle and not just the menial tasks assigned to them (Fincher). Many other commanders also demanded the same things for their troops. They believed their regiment had been well trained and prepared for battle. The black soldiers were eager to prove that they were not different then the white soldier in battle.

Enlistment began, though not many enrolled to fight for the southern states. Slaves were told they would be given their freedom in return for their service. The war ended before those who had enlisted were given the opportunity to engage in a battle.

With the war just beginning, ex-slaves and other African Americans wanted to get in on the action. They wanted to fight against those who had enslaved them and their families for generations. They began volunteering and trying to enlist, but everywhere they went they were rejected. "In general, white soldiers and officers believed that black men lacked the courage to fight and fight well" (History of

Enrollment began in September of 1862 (Allen 225). Thousands of black men enlisted. They would be commanded, led, and trained by all white officers. There were not to be any black officers commissioned and all African American soldiers were to be regarded as laborers. They would receive less pay than a white soldier. Instead of $13 plus clothing expenses, they would only receive $10 without clothing expenses (The American Civil War: A Multicultural Encyclopedia 55).

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