I. Introduction

African Americans were historically influential in both cultural and military aspects of the Civil War. Blacks such as Frederick Douglass spoke against the installation of slavery. Other authors wrote literature that reflected their hopes and dreams of one day being free. They also wrote literature which told the story of their everyday life as a freedman, slave, or soldier. Others, like Harriet Tubman, were a part of the Underground Railroad which helped free slaves. Still others fought in the war to end slavery. The African Americans fought in the regiments with volor and bravery. During battle they proved their right to be free by consecrating their lives to the cause of freedom.

During this era the blacks began standing up for themselves and speaking out. It was during this time that they began being people and not "property."

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