Final answer:
Blacks in the Union Navy and military faced delayed enlistment, limited roles, discrimination, and violence during the Civil War; however, they exhibited notable bravery in combat, contributing significantly to the Union's efforts and challenging the prevalent racial prejudices of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experiences of blacks in the Union Navy during the Civil War were typically characterized by a slow acceptance into military service, with official enlistment only beginning in 1863. African Americans served in various roles, facing challenges such as segregation, discrimination, and at times even violence, both within the military and from wider society. Initially, they were only accepted as laborers rather than as armed combatants, reflecting the reluctance of Union troops and officials to integrate them fully as fellow soldiers. Despite these challenges, black troops demonstrated courage and effectiveness on the battlefield, with black soldiers fighting in more than 400 battles and skirmishes, and even receiving the Medal of Honor for their heroism.
During the war, blacks in the military also had to contend with racially motivated violence, exemplified by incidents like the draft riots in New York City, where black individuals and properties were attacked. Post-war, the discrimination continued, with many black veterans facing severe prejudice and injustice, which challenged their claims to full citizenship despite their service and sacrifices.