Question

Which of these statements MOST accurately describes the role of African-Americans in the Civil War effort on the Union side? A) African-American troops were responsible for the Union victory at Gettysburg. B) African-Americans served as soldiers, but they made little difference in the outcome of the War. C) They traveled with the white soldiers as servants and laborers but saw little to no combat action. Eliminate D) Lincoln hesitated to use black troops, but many enlisted and played an important role in the Union victory.

Answer 1

D is the answer. Lincoln didn't want to use Black troops, but he decided to use them as they were applying in droves.

Answer 2

The correct answer is D) Lincoln hesitated to use black troops, but many enlisted and played an important role in Union victory.

African American troops were not encouraged to join the Union military until after the Emancipation Proclamation was implemented. After this document took effect (January 1, 1863), free blacks and fugitive slaves were encouraged to join the Union army. This helped shift the momentum in the favor of the Union army.