why were african americans part of the confederates?

Answer 1

Because they were not given the choice - they were sent to fight on behalf of their masters.

Answer 2

Many black southerners were simply fighting for their country, especially in response to northern raids where the homes and property of both whites and blacks were looted or destroyed.

It has been estimated that over 65,000 Southern blacks were in the Confederate ranks. Over 13,000 of these, "saw the elephant" also known as meeting the enemy in combat. These Black Confederates included both slave and free. The Confederate Congress did not approve blacks to be officially enlisted as soldiers (except as musicians), until late in the war. But in the ranks it was a different story. Many Confederate officers did not obey the mandates of politicians, they frequently enlisted blacks with the simple criteria, "Will you fight?" Historian Ervin Jordan, explains that "biracial units" were frequently organized "by local Confederate and State militia Commanders in response to immediate threats in the form of Union raids". Dr. Leonard Haynes, an African-American professor at Southern University, stated, "When you eliminate the black Confederate soldier, you've eliminated the history of the South."

Answer 3

Simple. They were promised their freedom if they fought. Whether that promise would have been kept if the South had won is doubtful to say the least, but that was what got them to enlist anyway.

Answer 4

Because their masters were confederates.

Answer 5

maybe they grew loyal to their masters! i mean not all slaves were treated that bad. some were jockeys and rode for money and got a small chunk of it. if you feel that they have treated you fairly I would work to protect their land and beliefs.

Answer 6

because they were slaves! they were not given the option to choose for themselves, but those who were "free" or "free slaves" did opt to help the yankees win the war

Answer 7

They were still slaves.