Final answer:
At the beginning of the war, free blacks could only perform manual labor and support roles in the military. However, as the war progressed, they were able to demonstrate their bravery and capability on the battlefield and fought in important engagements. This was a significant step towards the end of slavery and the fight for equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the beginning of the war, free blacks in the United States had limited options for their role in the military. They were initially used for manual labor and support roles such as cooks, musicians, and common laborers. Some were able to serve as drummers, fifers, trumpeters, or pioneers, but they were not allowed to serve as regular soldiers.
However, as the war progressed, black soldiers proved their bravery and capability on the battlefield. They fought in numerous battles and skirmishes, including significant engagements like Fort Wagner and Milliken's Bend. By the end of the war, over 190,000 African American men had enlisted in the Union army.
The enlistment of black soldiers was a significant step towards the end of slavery and the fight for equality. It challenged the racist beliefs that black soldiers were ineffective or untrustworthy. Through their volunteerism and battlefield contributions, black soldiers laid their claims for citizenship and earned recognition for their heroism.