Were enslaved African-Americans fighting in the Confederate Army against the Union?
Reply question: Were enslaved African-Americans fighting in the Confederate Army against the Union? Why would they do that? Please clarify. Please explain
The enslaved African-Americans contributed immensely to the strength of the Confederate Army; however, they did not fight directly against the Union. Millions of enslaved African-Americans were exploited by the Confederacy to provide free labor to the Confederate Army. Mooney highlights that “the rebel armies forced slaves to build fortifications, haul materiel, tend horses, and perform the innumerable chores that enabled their armies to function.” Also, the slaves primarily fed the Confederacy soldiers by tilling the land and growing food. President Lincoln and the Union quickly realized the enormous contribution the slaves were having on the Confederate Army, particularly when the Union Army was defeated in the battle of Bull Run on July 1, 1861. Robert Morse highlights that “thousands of slaves at Manassas were doing the work of laborers and servants, and rendering all the whites of the Southern army available for fighting.” The best solution for President Lincoln to save the Union was to issue the Emancipation Proclamation in the Southern territories experiencing resistance to curtail this invaluable strength. Lincoln regarding the Emancipation Proclamation, he emphasizes that “my present position in reference to the rebellion is the result of my best judgment, and according to that best judgment, it is the only position upon which any Executive can or could save the Union.” It was clear to the Union that despite the enslaved African-American slaves not fighting directly against the Union, their contribution of free labor was providing the Confederacy with an edge, and the Proclamation was a good war measure.