The Civil War Lesson 4 African Americans and the War

The Civil War Lesson 4 African Americans and the War Learning Objectives Analyze why Lincoln decided to issue the Emancipation Proclamation and what it achieved. Assess the different roles that African Americans played in the Civil War.

The Civil War Lesson 4 African Americans and the War Key Terms contraband Battle of Antietam Emancipation Proclamation Militia Act 54th Massachusetts Regiment

Emancipation and the Civil War Despite Lincoln’s efforts to downplay the issue of slavery, abolitionists kept up the pressure to end slavery. Soon, Lincoln himself recognized the need to include freedom for enslaved Americans among the goals of the war. His actions helped bring about the beginning of the end of slavery in the United States. At the same time, African American soldiers joined the fight for freedom.

Emancipation and the Civil War What do you do with slaves that are “captured” by Union Armies? General Benjamin Butler – declared them contraband – captured war supplies General John Freemont – freed them – Lincoln reversed decision – why? Lincoln in summer of 1862 decides to free slaves in rebellious states only – needs a victory though

Battle of Antietam Lee invades the North to win a battle on Northern land – maybe England will get involved. McClellan loses him but finds a cigar with secret orders detailing Lee’s plans – waits 16 hours then attacks Lee at Sharpsburg Hookers attacks at the Dunker church is bloody but winning until Hood and his Texans attack – follow the retreating forces until they get too close to Union artillery – 60% dead – “Dead on the field” Rebel center at the sunken road. General Burnside at the stone bridge – “it would not be prudent” North – 12,000 South 14,000 1/3 of Lee’s army Battle of Antietam: bloodiest single day of fighting in the Civil War. McClellan fails to follow Lee. Replaced by Burnside

Emancipation and the Civil War Massachusetts newspaper publisher William Lloyd Garrison was one of the nation's leading abolitionists.

The Emancipation Proclamation On September 22, 1862, Lincoln formally announced the Emancipation Proclamation. Issued as a military decree, it freed all enslaved people in states still in rebellion against the Union after January 1, 1863. It did not, however, apply to loyal border states or to places that were already under Union military control. Lincoln hoped that the proclamation might convince some southern states to surrender before the January 1 deadline.

The Emancipation Proclamation Sept 22nd, 1862 – Lincoln announces the Emancipation Proclamation Frees all enslaved people in states in rebellious states only Not border states or territory already seized Garrison – not enough Republicans – not enough, Democrats – too much Proclamation’s effect War officially about slavery European powers will not interfere South will not negotiate – fight to the end African Americans want to fight in Civil War Democrats gained seats in Congress Militia Act – African Americans no allowed in the Union Army

The Emancipation Proclamation This 1864 painting depicts Lincoln’s presentation of the Emancipation Proclamation to members of his Cabinet. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton sits at the far left, and Secretary of State William Seward sits facing Lincoln.

African Americans Join the Fight With the Emancipation Proclamation, the Union moved from allowing African American troops to actively recruiting them. African American and abolitionist leaders were asked to seek volunteers. The abolitionist governor of Massachusetts enthusiastically supported the formation of the all African American 54th Massachusetts Regiment. By war’s end, more than 180,000 African American volunteers had served in the Union military. The Confederacy considered drafting slaves and free African Americans in 1863 and 1864, but most southerners opposed their enlistment.

African Americans Join the Fight 54th Massachusetts Regiment – experimental all Black Regiment – fought awesome All white officers Many died at Fort Wagner Robert Gould Shaw 12 black Congressional Medal of Honor’s No equal pay to end of war Did many menial tasks – cooking, cleaning, latrines and guard duty Executed if surrendered 70,000 blacks lost lives in Civil War Most helped Northern Armies, food, scouts, regiments Slaves freed themselves.

African Americans Join the Fight This drummer had been enslaved prior to his service in the 79th U.S. Colored Infantry.

Quiz: Emancipation and the Civil War What event encouraged Lincoln to move forward with his plan for emancipation? A. the Battle of Antietam B. a pro-Confederate uprising in Maryland C. the Proclamation to the People of Maryland D. the Second Battle of Bull Run

Quiz: The Emancipation Proclamation The Emancipation Proclamation declared free all enslaved persons in A. Confederate and border states and territories. B. states and territories in rebellion against the Union. C. the southwest territories. D. the northern United States.

Quiz: African Americans Join the Fight What happened after the Emancipation Proclamation? A. African American soldiers won equal status with white soldiers. B. The Confederacy drafted African Americans to fight. C. The North permitted African Americans to enlist. D. Union forces actively recruited African Americans.