Northern Unionists - HIS 115 - Civil War Documentary Project - SCC Research Guides at Spartanburg Community College

Assault on Battery Wagner

Topics: The Assault on Battery Wagner and the involvement of the 54th Massachusetts--what was the reaction of the North to use of an African American Regiment in battle? What was the public's reaction to the outcome of the battle?

"Fort Wagner"
Chapter on the battle, including black soldiers' involvement. From the National Park Service's online book, The Civil War's Black Soliders. You may also use pictures from this page.
"Test of Combat"
Chapter on how Northerners felt about Black soldiers. From the National Park Service's online book, The Civil War's Black Soldiers. You may also use pictures from this page.
"Blacks in the Civil War"
Section "Northern Blacks Want to Join the Fight" discusses the policy on Black soldiers at the start of the war.

Emancipation Proclamation

Topics: The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation and the Emancipation Proclamation: How did Northerners react to Lincoln's Proclamation? Did they feel he had gone too far or not far enough? Were there any public outbursts in reaction: i.e. riots, rebellions?

"Opposition to the War"
See sections on "Slavery and Emancipation" and "Politics and Race" for a few mentions of how Northerners felt about the Emancipation Proclamation.
"Support for the War"
See the section on "Northern Support."
"Slavery and Race"
In particular, see the section on "The Northern Response to Slavery and Race."
"New York City Draft Riots"
Describes violence aimed at African Americans as a result of emancipation.

The Battle of the Crater and General Meade

Topic: The siege of Petersburg, VA was an example of poor leadership. General George Meade replaced Black troops with ill-supplied and poorly trained white troops. The Union was trounced in this battle. Why did Meade choose to use white troops? Create a point/counterpoint style debate on why Meade replaced the troops. Would the outcome of the battle have been different if the troops originally assigned to lead the attack had remained? Who was to blame for the outcome of the battle?

"African Americans at Petersburg"
Chapter from the National Park Service's online book The Siege of Petersburg. You may also use pictures from this page.
Battle Summary
Brief battle summary from The Greenhaven Encyclopedia of the Civil War.
"Battle of the Crater"
Mentions the substitution of Black troops. Entry from Encyclopedia Virginia. Hint: be sure to hit "More" to see full entry.
"Battle of the Crater, July 30, 1864"
Details the battle, including the decision to substitute troops. From Petersburg National Battlefield. You may also use pictures from this page.