Essay On Civil War Dbq

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Civil War DBQ On April 12th, 1861 Fort Sumter was assaulted by Confederate force marking the start to America’s bloodiest war and biggest tragedy. But throughout the bloodshed and gun smoke shone a light, the light of hope in every African American’s heart that they would win the battle and overcome slavery so every American, black or white could be free and be treated and viewed as equals. An America where skin color meant nothing and everyone could be what they wanted and have an equal chance at it. But for this wonderful light of hope to be achieved, African American had to play their part in the Civil War, and that they did. African Americans quickly realized that the Union could use their help. Soon run away slaves formed groups and made it to the North together. Others acted as spies that relayed information on the Confederate Army to the Union, and others simply refused to work for their masters and damaged farm equipment. These are It was a long and dangerous journey to the North for runaway slaves but many of them were more than willing to make the journey in exchange for knowing that freedom would be the destination. Once they reached the North many slaves wished to join the Union army but were not allowed to do so. So, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 which allowed African Americans to join the army. It also outlawed slavery but southerners payed no heed to the Proclamation so slavery wasn’t really abolished until the 13th amendment. However, allowing slaves to join the army gave the Union a flood of new eager troops to fight for their cause. The company of the fourth United States Colored Troops had their photograph taken as they stood in their uniforms. Colored Troops played major roles in the Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of the New Market Heights by showing exceptional bravery and looking out for one another, white or

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