In this history of African Americans in the American Civil War, the author explores the active and critical roles played by black Americans. Initially barred from enlistment in the Union army, they contributed to the war effort as spies, teachers, carpenters, nurses, and labourers. After the enlistment policy was changed, and the "Emancipation Proclamation" was issued in 1863, the first all-black units went into battle. By the end of the war almost 200,000 black soldiers had earned the respect of the Union command and inspired their civilian counterparts to continue the struggle for equal rights. The book includes eyewitness accounts, newspaper articles, abolitionist diaries, slave tales, and marching songs.