Jerrica Eke 

Date: 9/3/23

The Civil War was a time in American history that scarred African Americans for life. During the Civil War, African Americans were used as slaves, beaten, denied basic rights, starved and so much more. The damage left behind by this war left African Americans impaired forever.

                       During the Civil War 

  The civil war period went on from April 12, 1861 – April 9, 1865, between the Union ( the North) and the Confederacy (the South). The cause of the war was the dispute over whether or not slaves would be allowed into the western territories, which would lead to more slave states or to be prevented from doing so which would lead to the extinction of slavery. During the Civil War, African Americans endured so much- including whippings, the denial of education and wages, the forcible relocation of family members, denial of  legal marriage and so many other atrocities.. 

                            Post Civil War

   After the North won the battle of Gettysburg ( the most crucial in the war), the Union was on its way to victory. This victory won them over the war. 2 years after the victory in the battle of Gettysburg, the Civil War was concluded and the Union was declared the winner of the Civil War. After the North conquered the South in the war the Emancipation Proclamation was sent out, This proclamation declared all African American slaves free. Post-Civil War a reconstruction was implemented by Congress  It was aimed at reorganizing the southern states and to readmit African Americans back into the Union so blacks and whites could live in a non-slave society together. However, the South saw the reconstruction as a humiliation and did not welcome it; they even saw it as a vengeful imposition. For a period after the Civil War with the protection of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments African Americans were allowed to vote, actively participate in political progress, acquire land, seek employment, and use public accommodations. Sadly opponents of the progress railed against the former slaves’ freedom and began to find means to erode their gains. Even after the emancipation proclamation African Americans were mistreated, racist acts were still taking place and African Americans were still being discriminated against simply because of the color of their skin.  It is honestly sad to say that now 158 years later these disgusting racist crimes are still being committed may God help us all. 

The Civil War was a very hurtful time in history that will never be forgotten. African Americans will forever be affected by the doings of the Civil War.