African Americans and the War

Chapter 4, Section 2

I. The Push Toward Emancipation

A. Enslaved African Americans Seek Refuge

1. Enslaved people come under Union control

2. Fugitives are considered to be contraband

B. Lincoln Plans for the Emancipation Proclamation

1. Cabinet supports the plan2. Agree to wait for a Union victory

C. Battle of Antietam

1. Bloodiest single day of the Civil War2. Lincoln claims victory

II. Emancipation at Last

A. Lincoln Issues Emancipation Proclamation

1. Declares slaves in states of rebellion to be free

2. Does not apply to the border states

B. Effects of the Emancipation Proclamation

1. Does not free a single slave2. Redefines the war as being “about

slavery”3. Ends any chance for a negotiated

end to the war

III. African Americans Join the Fight

A. North Recruits African Americans

1. Militia Act mandates that black soldiers be accepted into the military

2. All-black 54th Massachusetts Regiment is formed

B. African American Soldiers Do Battle

1. African American troops face prejudice

2. Face death if captured

C. Enslaved People Help the Union Cause

1. Southern African Americans help Union Armies

2. Emancipated slaves organize military units