African Americans and the War 1861 – At the beginning of the war, free black Americans volunteered by the thousands for military service - the government refused to enlist them. Southern slaves slowed down bided their time – Grapevine telegraph Flight to union camps Harriet Tubman Confiscation Acts Ben Butler - Union commander who began the policy of accepting runaway slaves as "contraband" When slaves began to arrive at his fortifications near Hampton Roads, Virginia, General Benjamin Butler declared them to be the "contraband" of war. Black men and support teamsters, construction, gravediggers (guns?) – Black women nurses, cooks, livestock tenders – Changing political dynamics in Washington
African Americans and the War – 1861 At the beginning of the war, free black Americans volunteered by the thousands for military service - the government refused to enlist them. Southern slaves slowed down – bided their time Grapevine telegraph Flight to union camps Harriet Tubman Confiscation Acts Ben Butler - Union commander who began the policy of accepting runaway slaves as "contraband" When slaves began to arrive at his fortifications near Hampton Roads, Virginia, General Benjamin Butler declared them to be the "contraband" of war. Black men and support – teamsters, construction, gravediggers (guns?) Black women – nurses, cooks, livestock tenders Changing political dynamics in Washington
Hst110StudyGuidechapter10.docx