African American Soldier in the Civil War

USCT 1862–66

African American Soldier in the Civil War cover

Description

Osprey's study of African Americans who participated in the American Civil War (1861-1865). Approximately 200,000 African Americans fought for the Union during the Civil War. Initially, many white soldiers doubted their bravery and skill; they were soon proved wrong.

The Civil War battlefields bore witness to countless acts of courage from the United States Colored Troops, most famously the battle of Fort Wagner where the 54th Massachusetts marched forth and scaled the parapets, only to be driven back in fierce hand-to-hand combat, and the battle of Honey Springs where lines of African American troops advanced regardless of deadly enemy fire and succeeded in repelling the Confederates. African Americans were even conscripted into the Confederate Army towards the war's end to plug the damaging shortages of manpower.
African American troops comprised 10 percent of the Union Army and approximately one-third of those men lost their lives on the field of battle.

Through fascinating first-hand accounts, this title examines the journey of the African American from slave to soldier to free man, ultimately providing a fascinating insight into the impact that these brave men had on the war and how it influenced their lives thereafter.

Table of Contents

Introduction · Chronology · Enlistment · Training · Appearance and Dress · Conditions of Service and Daily Life · Belief and Belonging · The Soldier in Battle · Aftermath· Museums and Reenactment· Bibliography · Color Plate Commentary · Index

Product details

Published Dec 26 2006
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781846030925
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 52 b/w; 9 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Warrior
Short code WAR 114
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Mark Lardas

Mark Lardas has always been fascinated by things r…

Illustrator

Peter Dennis

Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazine…

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