2007-03-21 15:18:01 · 8 answers · asked by Brittany 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
First and foremost they faced a total lack of respect from their own commanders. With very few exceptions the white officers assigns to black troops were unexceptional.
The myth was that the blacks could not fight and would not stand. Even when they had good officers the men were badly used, as at Fredricksburg and Battery Wagner.
Just getting into uniform was a challenge for the black, and when they did they were paid less than the white soldiers. When the State of Massachusetts discovered the Federal Government was paying their black soldiers less they, to their undying credit, made provision to pay the shortfall from state funds. The black soldiers refused the increase, because it was not the state that was responsible.
Naturally the blacks were not often taken prisoner. What few tried to surrender were usually killed.
All the above notwithstanding, once the black man had his uniform and weapon, there was no turning back from emancipation. The United States were committed to the future.
2007-03-22 00:51:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though they were promised their freedom for serving. They were not allowed to fight along side of white soldiers. They were often given inferior equipment and weapons. They were given assignments that white soldier didn't want. Finally, it took them a long time to get into combat to do what they signed up to do to gain their freedom.
2007-03-21 22:28:18 · answer #2 · answered by tazman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Segregation from white soldiers, lack of merit awarded to them for heroic actions.
I'm afraid I'm not terribly knowledgeable on the subject, so that's all I know for sure.
2007-03-21 22:21:39 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the South caught therm, they'd die. They were given equipment well after white soldiers, weren't given credit they deserve. White northern captains thought blacks were inferior
2007-03-22 12:26:45 · answer #4 · answered by babygirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the same thing black people are still facing today, but at a more intense messure.
2007-03-21 22:21:47 · answer #5 · answered by mcdermond3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting shot.
2007-03-21 22:21:42 · answer #6 · answered by kurbet5000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Racism, and if they were captureded they were screwed, and the were rarely taken prisoner
2007-03-21 22:22:25 · answer #7 · answered by bbal40 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh let me think.... slavery
2007-03-21 22:22:15 · answer #8 · answered by ititit3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋