African American Soldiers
After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, African Americans finally had rights. They gladly volunteered to participate in war. The 54th Infantry Regiment was the first African American unit commanded by white officers. In July 1863, the regiment led a charge into Fort Wagner. Sadly, half of the regiment was wounded, killed, or captured. Their bravery, however, was the most celebrated African American unit of the Civil War. Even though African American soldiers were now able to participate in the civil war, they were still treated unequally. White soldiers were paid $13 a month, while colored soldiers only received $10 per month. African American soldiers were not given the option of becoming offficers like white soldiers did. Later, though, colored soldiers were rewarded the right to vote for being brave on the battlefield.