One week after the beginning of the war in Fort Sumter, African Americans from Ohio’s Wilberforce College answered Abraham Lincoln’s invitation One week after the beginning of the war in Fort Sumter, African Americans from Ohio’s Wilberforce College answered Abraham Lincoln’s invitation Similar requests came from states; these requests usually were rejected because the war was considered to be short Similar requests came from states; these requests usually were rejected because the war was considered to be short

Lincoln administration did not agree with the recruit of African Americans because this made slave-holding states which were still in the union loyal to the union Lincoln administration did not agree with the recruit of African Americans because this made slave-holding states which were still in the union loyal to the union Union soldiers Service records revealed that 18,000 African Americans served as seaman during the war Union soldiers Service records revealed that 18,000 African Americans served as seaman during the war

On July17, 1862 after a lot of debates Congress passed the Militia Act which allowed African Americans to fight. On July17, 1862 after a lot of debates Congress passed the Militia Act which allowed African Americans to fight. The War Department should also give permission for recruiting African Americans The War Department should also give permission for recruiting African Americans The success of African Americans’ army in a battle in Butler, Missouri lessened the opposition to their recruitment The success of African Americans’ army in a battle in Butler, Missouri lessened the opposition to their recruitment

The Emancipation Proclamation of Sep22,1862 allowed the systematic recruitment of African Americans The Emancipation Proclamation of Sep22,1862 allowed the systematic recruitment of African Americans Soon they started to show their capability Soon they started to show their capability Their first victory was against Confederate Army in Morris Island showed that they can play an important role in the war Their first victory was against Confederate Army in Morris Island showed that they can play an important role in the war By July of 1863, more than 30 African Americans regiments were in war, designated as U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) By July of 1863, more than 30 African Americans regiments were in war, designated as U.S. Colored Troops (USCT)

African American troops of any rank were paid only 10$ per month. African American troops of any rank were paid only 10$ per month. In some units, African American soldiers would not accept the lesser pay. In some units, African American soldiers would not accept the lesser pay. Many African American men served in the union cause, but very few were permitted to do so as officers. Many African American men served in the union cause, but very few were permitted to do so as officers.

Despite strident public opposition and war department policy unfavorable to the appointment of African American officers, nearly 100 African American men held commission during the course of the civil war. Despite strident public opposition and war department policy unfavorable to the appointment of African American officers, nearly 100 African American men held commission during the course of the civil war. Over three-fourth of these commissions were awarded in general butler’s Louisiana regiments. Over three-fourth of these commissions were awarded in general butler’s Louisiana regiments.

Many African Americans gained their appointment as officers in state militia. Many African Americans gained their appointment as officers in state militia. A few African American surgeons and a large number of chaplains also received appointments. A few African American surgeons and a large number of chaplains also received appointments. African American women also played an important role during the war. many endured great hardships in their efforts to keep their families together as their husband, fathers, and sons marched off to war. African American women also played an important role during the war. many endured great hardships in their efforts to keep their families together as their husband, fathers, and sons marched off to war.