African-American Union Soldier, His Wife and Two Daughters, between 1863 to 1865

African-American soldier and his family during the Civil War.

Courtesy of Library of Congress, "[Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform with wife and two daughters]," between 1863 to 1865

Description

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln gave permission for African Americans to join the war effort, but Lincoln did not authorize use of African Americans to fight until the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. He said, "And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service." With these words, the Union Army changed.

Source-Dependent Questions

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln gave permission for Africans Americans to help in the war. Why would it be important for them to serve in the war?
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln stated that "such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service." How did this declaration change the Union Army in 1863?

Citation Information

"[Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform with wife and two daughters]," between 1863 to 1865. Courtesy of Library of Congress