A Great Sacrifice

Abstract

This study analyzes the effects of the Civil War on northern black families as they sacrificed for a Union victory, and asks the question, how were black Union soldiers from the North and their families affected by their involvement in the Civil War? When northern black men joined the armed forces of the Union and went off to fight in the Civil War, they were the vanguard of a black community that faithfully supported the Union effort in large numbers and steadfastly sent their men to fight. Since they made a significant sacrifice, these families deserve to have their story told about their contribution to the Union war effort and how their lives were directly affected by the Civil War. Letters from family members to the government are the most valuable source used in this study. Collectively, the letters are significant because they represent the few written primary sources and records left behind by African-American women. These are their words and they are saying what was on their minds and what were their needs, concerns, and desires. Some of the letters give great insight into the minds and thoughts of these family members. The most valuable of correspondences discuss why northern blacks supported the war and what they expected in return. They talk about loyalty, citizenship, and the pride of a people. Using these letters, the Civil War history of black soldiers is examined; however, woven into this history is the story of the families on the home front.