Final answer:
African American soldiers in the military faced significant discrimination yet played vital roles in warfare, particularly during the Civil War and World Wars. They served courageously despite segregation and challenged societal attitudes towards race and equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the military experiences of African American soldiers, option C) They faced discrimination but played crucial roles in the war is the most accurate. Despite substantial enlistment of African Americans in Union forces after 1863 and the brave service provided by segregated units such as the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I, African American soldiers consistently confronted deep-seated racism and discrimination. They were typically used as laborers, and when they did engage in combat, their participation shattered prevailing myths of their abilities and helped to pave the way for future changes in societal attitudes towards African Americans.
The United States Colored Troops (USCT) played significant roles throughout military campaigns, with some regiments, like the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts, achieving remarkable feats of bravery and heroism. Despite operating within a segregated military structure, they demonstrated their loyalty, bravery, and commitment to their country, ultimately contributing to the reshaping of society in the North and South. The presence of armed black soldiers had a profound psychological impact on both the Confederacy and the institution of slavery, representing liberation and the destruction of the South's racial and social hierarchy.