History of North America

When did black people start to fight in the American Civil War?

African American men began fighting for the Union Army in the American Civil War as early as 1862, when the first African American regiments were formed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. These regiments were initially led by white officers, but as the war progressed, African American officers were also appointed. By the end of the war, there were over 200,000 African American soldiers fighting for the Union Army, and they played a significant role in the Union's victory.