Question

question 1 of 10

what is one way black soldiers contributed to the union war effort during the civil war?

a. black soldiers pressured president lincoln to sign the emancipation proclamation, leading to freedom for enslaved people.
b. black soldiers posed as enslaved people throughout the confederacy, helping enslaved people escape.
c. black soldiers captained union ships, forming a blockade along the confederate coast.
d. black soldiers volunteered in large numbers, boosting the size of the union army.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context

During the American Civil War, African Americans made critical contributions to the Union war effort. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, the Union formally began recruiting African American men into military service, leading to the creation of the United States Colored Troops.

Evaluate the options

• Option A suggests Black soldiers pressured Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. However, the proclamation was issued before Black soldiers were recruited in large numbers, meaning this timeline is incorrect.
• Option B suggests they posed as enslaved people throughout the Confederacy to help others escape. While some individuals acted as scouts or spies, this was not the primary, organized military contribution of Black soldiers.
• Option C claims they captained Union ships to form a blockade. While some served in the Navy, they did not captain these ships.
• Option D states that Black soldiers volunteered in large numbers, boosting the size of the Union army. Approximately 180,000 Black soldiers served in the Union army, making up about 10% of its total force and providing a vital manpower boost.

Determine the correct choice

Option D is historically accurate and directly answers how Black soldiers significantly contributed to the Union war effort.

Answer:

• (A) Black soldiers pressured President Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation, leading to freedom for enslaved people.
• (B) Black soldiers posed as enslaved people throughout the Confederacy, helping enslaved people escape.
• (C) Black soldiers captained Union ships, forming a blockade along the Confederate coast.
• (D) Black soldiers volunteered in large numbers, boosting the size of the Union army. (Correct answer)