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African Americans In The Civil War Essay

1310 Words6 Pages

Throughout the history of the United States, African Americans have always receive the short end of the stick when it comes to being discriminated against for the color of their skin. When Africans first came to America back in the 1600s, African Americans were taken away from their homes and families against their will and then forced to work for a race that consider themselves “superiors”, as laborers. Then their identities were taken away from them and they became slaves. As slaves they were given no pay for their labor and if their owner felt as if they didn’t compete a job or felt that they were disrespectful in anyway, they were badly whipped and beaten to the point of unconsciousness. African Americans have rebelled against their slavery …show more content…

As the war was beginning, ex-slaves wanted to in role to get a piece of the action. They wanted to fight for their freedom and against those who had enslaved them and had separated them from their families for generations. African Americans from all parts of the United States volunteered and tried to enlist. However, wherever they went, they were met with rejection. It was stated by the “History of African-Americans in the Civil War” "In general, white soldiers and officers believed that black men lacked the courage to fight and fight …show more content…

To lead the 54th Massachusetts, Governor Andrew chose personally who would lead the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, he chose Robert Gould Shaw as the leading officer he was a young white male. This Regiment was a proud in proving that African Americans were equals to whites, however this proud movement was short lived because on July 18, 1863, the 54th Massachusetts stormed Fort Wagner. Fort Wagner guarded the Port of Charleston, in South Carolina. This battle was the first time that black troops were used in battle as a infantry attack. Sadly, the 54th Massachusetts lost 600 of its men with Colonel Shaw, this was due to the fact that the Regiment was outgunned and outnumbered. Fort Wagner was protected by 1,700 Confederate soldiers waiting for the

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