February is Black History Month – Part 1: The Courageous Role of Black Soldiers in the Civil War
Black History Month provides an important opportunity to reflect on the immense contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs have often been sidelined, yet they form the very foundation of America’s progress and evolution. One of the most significant—and often overlooked—chapters of Black history in the United States is the story of Black soldiers who fought in the Civil War. While much has been said about the political, economic, and social impacts of the war, the involvement of Black Americans, both enslaved and free, played an essential role in the Union’s victory and the ultimate emancipation of millions of African Americans. Their bravery, determination, and sacrifices have forever changed the course of history.
In this first installment of our exploration of Black History Month, we look back to the early days of the Civil War, where monumental changes occurred in terms of military policies and the role of African Americans. With the passage of significant legislative acts, the military began to recognize the value and necessity of Black soldiers. One of the most significant moments came with the creation of the Bureau of Colored Troops in 1863, which marked the beginning of Black American men serving in all branches of the U.S. Army. This was not only a shift in military policy—it was a defining moment in the fight for freedom and equality.
The Path to Military Inclusion: Legislative Acts and the Role of Black Americans
Before 1861, the idea of African Americans fighting in the U.S. Army was largely inconceivable. In fact, Black men were explicitly excluded from military service in the U.S. Army. But the onset of the Civil War—the bloodiest conflict in American history—changed everything. The Union, struggling to hold its ground against the Confederacy, found itself facing an urgent need for soldiers. At the same time, the abolitionist movement, which had long called for the end of slavery, gained momentum. The Civil War, in many ways, became a war for the future of the country, not only regarding secession and union but also regarding the very existence of slavery.
The shift toward including African Americans in the Union Army began with the passing of critical legislation that both redefined the status of enslaved people and empowered them to actively participate in the war effort. The Confiscation Act of 1862, passed in August of that year, allowed the Union Army to seize enslaved people who were the property of Confederate supporters, granting them freedom. This law was groundbreaking because it made the Union’s stance clear: slavery would no longer be tolerated in any part of the country, including the Confederacy.
The Militia Act of 1862 further paved the way for the inclusion of African Americans in the Army. This act gave the federal government more authority to employ Black soldiers, both free and enslaved, in various roles in the military. The act marked the beginning of a significant policy shift—one that not only reflected the growing pressure from abolitionist groups but also acknowledged the critical importance of Black labor and Black fighting men in the war effort.
Perhaps the most well-known legislative step was President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, signed on January 1, 1863. This executive order declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were to be freed. Though it didn’t immediately free all enslaved people, the proclamation marked a significant turning point in the war. It made the abolition of slavery a central goal of the Union war effort and offered hope to those living under the yoke of oppression.
The Creation of the Bureau of Colored Troops
The United States War Department, under pressure from abolitionists and military leaders alike, took another decisive step in 1863. On May 22, 1863, the War Department issued General Order 143, which officially created the Bureau of Colored Troops (BCT). This was a groundbreaking policy that allowed for the recruitment of Black soldiers to serve in the Union Army, effectively institutionalizing the military service of African Americans.
The creation of the Bureau of Colored Troops was a critical moment, as it officially authorized the recruitment of Black men into all branches of the U.S. Army, including infantry, cavalry, artillery, and engineers. In the two years that followed, more than 178,000 African American men enlisted and served in the Union Army, making up nearly 10% of the entire Union fighting force. These men, often referred to as the United States Colored Troops (USCT), fought valiantly and made significant contributions to the Union’s eventual victory.
The decision to form the Bureau was not just a military strategy; it was an acknowledgment of the strength and potential of African Americans. While Black soldiers had previously been relegated to non-combat roles, this shift opened the door for them to fight for their freedom, proving their value not only to the Union Army but to the future of the nation.
The Role of the United States Colored Troops
The soldiers who served in the United States Colored Troops were among the most courageous and determined individuals in the Civil War. They were fighting for their own freedom, the freedom of their families, and the future of the country. They faced immense discrimination within the ranks, with Black soldiers being paid less than their white counterparts and often given the most dangerous, menial tasks. Despite these challenges, they fought with unmatched bravery.
Some of the most notable regiments in the USCT were the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the first official African American regiment raised in the Northern states. The 54th’s story is perhaps most famously told in the 1989 film Glory, which depicts their heroic, though tragic, assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. Despite suffering heavy casualties, the 54th’s bravery helped to change public perception of Black soldiers and proved their valor on the battlefield.
In addition to the infantry, Black soldiers also served in the cavalry, artillery, and as engineers, contributing significantly to the Union’s war effort. The U.S. Colored Troops fought in numerous battles, including the Siege of Petersburg, the Battle of Nashville, and the Appomattox Campaign—the final push that would lead to the surrender of the Confederate Army in April 1865.
The Black soldiers who fought in these battles were integral to the Union victory. Without their service, the course of the war may have been dramatically different. They provided critical manpower, fought in some of the most pivotal engagements of the war, and helped to turn the tide against the Confederacy. Their courage proved that African Americans could—and would—stand side by side with their white counterparts in defense of the Union, making a clear statement about the power of equality and the right to fight for freedom.
The Impact on the Postwar Era and Civil Rights
The legacy of the Black soldiers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War went far beyond the battlefields. Their participation in the war directly contributed to the eventual abolition of slavery and paved the way for the Reconstruction era that followed. Although these soldiers were not immediately granted equal rights after the war, their service made it impossible to ignore the contributions of African Americans to the country’s freedom.
The impact of the United States Colored Troops was especially significant during the postwar period, as the fight for civil rights continued. Many former slaves who had fought in the war became leaders in their communities and advocates for equality, helping to lead the charge during the Reconstruction period. Their service, their sacrifices, and their demands for equality helped to challenge the social and political structures that had previously oppressed African Americans.
The service of Black soldiers in the Civil War, though often overlooked in mainstream history, was a key moment in the African American struggle for freedom and justice. Their courage and determination not only contributed to the Union’s victory but also laid the foundation for future civil rights movements, helping to change the course of American history forever.
Honoring the Legacy: Black History Month and the Heroes of the Civil War
As we honor Black History Month, it is crucial to remember the contributions of the men and women who fought for their freedom during the Civil War. Pfc. Irving S. Hurewitz, who served in the 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division and tragically lost his life in Italy in 1944, is one example of the many men who served in uniform and sacrificed everything. His story is one of courage, honor, and dedication, much like the stories of the African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War and helped to change the course of history.
The story of the United States Colored Troops is an integral part of American history and one that should be remembered, celebrated, and taught for generations to come. Their bravery, their contributions, and their commitment to the cause of freedom remind us that the fight for justice is never easy but always worth the struggle.
As we reflect on the events of the Civil War and the legacy of those who fought in it, we must also look forward to the future, continuing the fight for equality, justice, and the preservation of freedom. The men who served in the Bureau of Colored Troops showed that, even in the face of adversity, courage and perseverance can break down the barriers that divide us. Their sacrifice and their resilience continue to inspire generations, reminding us all of the true cost of freedom and the enduring power of those who fight for it.
The Power of Their Story
The legacy of the United States Colored Troops is one that resonates deeply today, as the fight for justice, equality, and freedom continues across the world. As we honor their contributions this Black History Month, let us remember the profound impact that their bravery had not only on the Civil War but on the future of the United States. These men did not just fight for the Union; they fought for the soul of the nation, for the rights of all people, and for the belief that freedom and equality were worth fighting for—no matter the cost.
Their legacy is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together to fight for what is right, and it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations who continue to strive for a world of true equality and justice. The story of these Black soldiers, who took up arms not only for freedom but for the right to be recognized as equals, is a story that should be remembered and honored. Their courage, their strength, and their determination paved the way for the progress that we see today, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
