History of Africa

Why did some northerners want to recruit Africa Americans into the union army?

* To weaken the Confederacy. African Americans made up a significant portion of the Southern labor force, and their loss would have crippled the Confederate economy. By recruiting African Americans into the Union army, the North could both strengthen its own forces and weaken the Confederacy.

* To demonstrate the commitment to emancipation. The Emancipation Proclamation had freed enslaved African Americans in the Confederate states, but it was not immediately recognized by all Southern states. By recruiting African Americans into the Union army, the North could demonstrate its commitment to emancipation and encourage more slaves to escape to the Union lines.

* To gain political support. Recruiting African Americans into the Union army was a popular move among many Northerners, who saw it as a way to strike a blow for freedom and equality. This helped to shore up political support for the war effort and keep the North united.