A National Archives Foundation educational resource using primary sources from the National Archives

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interpreting-data icon
Interpreting Data

Read both pages of this Government poster for recruiting recently freed slaves for the Union Army during the Civil War. It promised freedom, protection and pay if they joined. It refers to the Emancipation Proclamation and to President Lincoln’s order to provide equal pay for black soldiers and equal protection if they were captured by the Confederacy and became prisoners of war.

Click on “+ Add Text” in the bottom left corner and label on the pages any references you find to:

  1. Soldier pay
  2. Treatment of prisoners of war
  3. Discrimination during the Civil War
  4. Government efforts to improve conditions for black soldiers

Then click “When You’re Done” to answer the conclusion questions.

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public-domain
To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Black Soldiers in the Civil War”