That documentary they had on last week said that the slaves only fought for the confederates because they were forced to by their slave masters. And that as soon as Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation they all deserted and many went north to join the union army.
I wish I could go to a big library and search the archives to read the news from that time to see which is the truth of the past.
I should also add that it told of how New York sided with the southern democrats.
Many slaves had a good relationship with their owners, and even took the family surname as their own on being freed.
It is politically expedient to not remind people that the wars in which large groups of people fought against others were fought over economic repression. From the Tea Tax and Stamp Act of the Revolutionary era to the tarrifs which effectively forced the South to trade with the North, economics are at the root of many conflicts.
Dig deeper, the truth awaits. The answers will make perfect sense if you understand why the colonies broke away from England.
While you dig, keep in mind that Uncle Tom's Cabin was a novel written by an ardent abolitionist.
Also, keep in mind that although many trimmings have changed, human nature is much the same. Hyperbole sold especially well in Northern markets, just as the wild-eyed stories of the "wild West" sold Harper's Magazine, and hype and gore sells Hollywood today. In reality, disease and suicide took far more soldier's lives in western forts than combat.
Truth becomes dispensible when there is a profit to be made, and the armies of victimhood swell their ranks with new recruits who are programmed with distortions and hyperbole, to the great benefit of their 'advocates'. The same tactics are used by just about any group which wishes to sieze power or wealth nefariously, from the Nazis to Islamists, to 'hate groups' of any ilk, regardless of race, creed, or nation of origin.
Good hunting!
"Whar's you gwine, Uncle Pomp? You isn't gwine up dar to have all de har scorched off yer head is you?" Uncle Pompey still persisted in advancing and shouldering a rifle, soon overtook his regiment. 'De Lor' hab mercy on us all, boys, here dey comes agin! Dar it is,' he exclaimed, as the Yankees fired an overshot, 'just as I taught! can't shoot worth a bad five-cent piece. Now's de time, boys!' and as the Alabamians returned a withering volley and closed up with the enemy, charging them furiously. Uncle Pompey forgot all about his church, his ministry, and sanctity, and while firing and dodging, as best he could, was heard to shout out: "Pitch in, White folks—Uncle Pomp's behind yer. Send all de Yankees to de 'ternal flames, whar dere's weeping and gnashing of—sail in Alabama; stick 'em wid de bayonet, and send all de blue ornary cusses to de state of eternal fire and brimstone! Push 'em hard, boys!—push 'em hard; and when dey's gone, may de Lor' hab marcy on de last one on 'em, and send dem to h-ll farder nor a pigin kin fly in a month! Stick de d—d sons of—! don't spare none on'em, for de good Lor' never made such as dem, no how you kin fix it: for it am said in de two-eyed chapter of de one-eyed John, somewhat in Collusions, dat—Hurray, boys, dat's you, sure—now you've got 'em goss! Show 'em a taste of ole Alabamy,' etc.I'd say Uncle Pomp was mighty proud to serve his country.
H.C. Blackerby, Blacks in Blue and Gray: Afro-American Service in the Civil War, Tuscaloosa, AL: Portals Press (1979), pp.11-12.
slaves could NOT/did NOT serve in the CSA, as they were NOT free to take the oath of enlistment.
the 100,000+ black men (and NOT a few women, btw!) who served HONORABLY in the PACSA were FREEmen, who were fighting for their families,homes,farms,state & EACH OTHER.
in point of fact, the blacks who served the TRUE CAUSE were just as good as soldiers as their NON-black compatriots-in-arms in the ranks.
the army of dixie was about 20% NON-white.
free dixie,sw
I used to have an article bookmarked that was written shortly after the civil war and had some excellent insight into the history of the time.
But apparently I am an idiot and can'r remember how to see my bookmarks.
This is a speech given in 1910. It's pretty fascinating reading.
Cyborg, I found the bookmarks. Go to your profile then click on the links tab. :-)