Introduction
After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in January of 1863, African-American men were authorized to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War. The first regiment to feature African-American enlisted soldiers was the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which served heroically and was also the first African-American Regiment to see combat.
The most notable African-American regiment to serve in the Civil War, however, was the second unit formed, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. In this lesson, you will learn about the bravery exhibited by this unit and their contribution to helping the Union Army win the Civil War. Take a look at the memorial to the regiment located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...
- Examine the role of newly freed African-American soldiers in the Union Army's efforts to win the Civil War
Essential Questions
- How did the enlistment of African-American soldiers help the Union Army defeat the Confederacy in the Civil War?
Enduring Understandings
- Slavery and protection of states’ rights were the dominant issues that led to the American Civil War.
The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: United States History I standards: 14.4