Segregation and Discrimination
Though accepted in the Union Army, these men still had to face segregation and discrimination. “The army was extremely reluctant to commission black officers — only one hundred gained commissions during the war. African American soldiers were also given substandard supplies and rations. At the beginning of black enlistment, it was assumed that blacks would be kept out of direct combat, and the men were paid as laborers rather than as soldiers. Black soldiers therefore received $7 per month, plus a $3 clothing allowance, while white soldiers received $13 per month, plus $3.50 for clothes. (The Civil War and Emancipation).” In 1864, the War Department eventually agreed to pay for African American soldiers equal to that of white soldiers. The differences between African American soldiers and the white soldiers can be seen in the photos. These differences include status, pay, and dress. African Americans rarely were promoted in the Union army. This is illustrated through many political cartoons and can also be seen in a number of photos. Overall, despite being allowed to fight African American men were not viewed to be on the same level as white men fighting in the army.
http://ows.edb.utexas.edu/?q=site/african-americans-union-army-during-civil-war
Thought you’d like a liberal link........
Wow. Only a hundred commissioned black officers in the Union Army. How many were in the rebel army, for comparison?