Why did the Union turn to African Americans to fight during the Civil War?

The Union turned to African Americans to fight during the Civil War for several reasons:

1. Military Necessity: As the war continued and the number of volunteers decreased, the Union needed more troops. Enlisting African Americans expanded the pool of available soldiers.
2. Strategic Advantage: Emancipation Proclamation allowed the enlistment of African American soldiers into the Union Army, giving the Union a strategic advantage by increasing manpower.
3. Political and Moral Imperative: Abolitionists and political leaders pushed for African American enlistment as a means of advocating for freedom and equality.
4. Recognition of Contributions: African Americans had been serving as laborers and non-combatants in support roles. Granting them the opportunity to serve as soldiers recognized their contributions and offered a chance for equality.
5. International Pressure: The Union hoped that demonstrating a commitment to equality would gain favor and support from European countries, potentially discouraging them from supporting the Confederacy.

Overall, the enlistment of African American soldiers was a strategic moral and political decision that aimed to strengthen the Union's military and further the cause of freedom and equality.