Rhetorical Analysis Of Alfred M Green Speech

Alfred M Green, during the month of April in the year 1861, the same month the Civil War began, delivered a powerful speech urging African Americans to fight side by side with white Americans. The Union Forces needed more men to serve and protect the United States of America. Alfred M Green, an African American, used many different methods to persuade his fellow African American men to fight in a war that could serve as a turning point for black freedom in America. The reason for this is that African Americans were not well respected, nor were they permitted to fight in a war. Greens words persuade the audience that joining the Union Forces will not make them less than, but equal to the men that they are fighting alongside. The methods that Green uses are biblical persuasion and inclusive phrases.

Green, on multiple occasions, used biblical persuasion. He states “Let us, then, take up our sword, trusting in God, who will defend the right, remembering that these are other days than those of yore”. The point that he is intending to get across is guilt. He is stating that if they are unwilling to step into the position of the troops, it would be unjust to God. He ends the speech by saying “...confidence in the armies of the living God- the God of truth, justice and

They wanted to be treated as equals with the whites. Many African American men believed that fighting alongside whites would not grant them unity. Green stated “Our duty, brethren, is not to cavil over past grievances. Let us not be derelict to duty in the time of need”. He is giving recognition to the fact that in past wars, (1812 and 1776), many men of color were treating unfairly while fighting. He is also bringing awareness to the fact that they must continue to fight with respect and unity, as one. He says “we” and “us” often in the speech. This indicated how pivotal it was for America to unify and become