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before the emancipation proclamation, were africans recieved into the armed forces in the U.S?

2007-03-11 07:25:02 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities History

7 answers

Blacks fought in the armed forces during the American Revolution:

"Several speeches in the American Memory Collection, African American Perspectives, 1818-1907 contain references to Peter Salem, the former slave and hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill:
Mr. Everett has described Peter Salem, a black man, and once a slave, as having been among the most prominent and meritorious characters at the battle of Bunker's Hill. Indeed, the historical painting of that scene, by Col. Trumbull, an eyewitness, done in 1785, gives Peter Salem , with other black patriots, a conspicuous place. One of the latter is thus commemorated:
"To the Honorable General Court of the Massachusetts Bay: The subscribers beg leave to report to your Honorable House (which we do in justice to the character of so brave a man), that, under our own observation, we declare that a ***** man, called Salem Poor, of Col. Frye's regiment, Capt. Ames' company, in the late battle at Charlestown, behaved like an experienced officer, as well as an excellent soldier. To set forth particulars of his conduct would be tedious. We would beg leave to say, in the person of this said *****, centres a brave and gallant soldier. The reward due to so great and distinguished a character, we submit to the Congress."
Cambridge, Dec. 5, 1755.
"What the Fathers Thought of the Blacks as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Men,"
Prepared for the Celebration of Washington's Birthday at Lyceum Hall, Salem, February 22, 1863,
Opinions of the Early Presidents, and of the Fathers of the Republic, upon Slavery and upon Negroes as Men and Soldiers.
in African American Perspectives"


"Blacks, free and slave, were early participants in the various conflicts that sporadically broke out between the English colonies and their Indian and European rivals in North America. Their service continued even after independence had been declared and the new republic of the United States had been founded. Although there were early colonial and national laws to exclude blacks and Indians from military service, in times of danger or war white leaders willingly drew upon both these manpower sources.

African Americans served with distinction in such major conflicts as the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812. They also fought in many of the confrontations that characterized relations between white colonists and Native Americans. In addition, British commanders sought to entice blacks into military service under the Union Jack during both of Englands struggles with the Americans.

Usually in this period, black recruits served side-by-side with their white comrades, although all-black units were also formed. Free blacks were paid the same as white soldiers, while slaves who served with their masters permission were often emancipated at the end of the war. The offer of freedom was also the primary lure used by the British to attract blacks into His Majestys army or navy.

After 1815, the federal government and various states prohibited African Americans and Native Americans from serving in the Army, Marine Corps or state militias. The lack of foreign enemies, racism, the removal of any Indian threat east of the Mississippi, and the growing concern, particularly in the South, about possible slave rebellions all combined to exclude blacks from military service in the four decades proceeding the Civil War. The exception to this exclusionary policy was the U.S. Navy, where black sailors were integrated throughout most of the 19th century. The outbreak of the Civil War, however, would once again force white leaders to reassess the racial policies governing the nations armed forces."

2007-03-11 08:18:08 · answer #1 · answered by johnslat 7 · 0 0

Officially, no. In fact, during the Civil War, General Fremont was removed from command of The Western Theater for even suggesting such a thing. (There were other factors, but sometimes short and sweet is the best option.)

2007-03-11 09:16:07 · answer #2 · answered by Fialka 2 · 0 0

Yes, but mostly fugitive slaves and only in the north. After the 13th Amendment was ratified, 180,00 African-Americans had enlisted.

2007-03-11 07:40:17 · answer #3 · answered by staisil 7 · 1 0

Yes, both in the north and the south.......In North Carolina alone there were four regiments of blacks, both slaves and freemen, that fought with the north. They were formed in 1862 and 1863.

also there was at least one black regiment formed in north carolina prior to 1863 that fought on the side of the south

2007-03-12 03:11:00 · answer #4 · answered by scotishbob 5 · 0 0

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2016-09-30 12:50:49 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

I think in the North they were.

2007-03-11 07:30:23 · answer #6 · answered by Rabbit 5 · 0 0

Yes !

2007-03-11 07:31:24 · answer #7 · answered by Laura S 4 · 0 0

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