African Americans

African Americans played an important role in the Union during the Civil War. 200,000 African Americans served in the Union military. Most were escaped slaves who served in segregated units under whites. Despite African Americans making up 10% of the military force, they were still not given the same amount of money as white people. White soldiers earned $13.00 a month while African American soldiers only earned $10.00 a month. However, they did end up being granted equal pay on June 15, 1864.

African Americans were initially only allowed to perform heavy labor tasks and burial duties. White soldiers believed that African Americans lacked courage to be good soldiers, but eventually were allowed to be put in combat.