MILITARY SERVICE

Native Americans and African Americans have always been an integral part of the military history of the United States. Even while the African American was a slave they have been incorporated into the military system to bring victory to the military entanglements. Slaves made the difference in the Civil War. Their presence brought victory to the Union military forces. The slaves participated in their own liberation.

The Civil War started in 1861 and ended in 1865. The three major reasons for the Civil War were the countries economic control; the balance of free and slave states; and the moral argument of slavery.

After the Civil War the countries economic control would shift to the northern states. The free and slave states would no longer be so clear-cut. Lastly, the morality of slavery was defeated. It was a victory for abolitionist (those opposing slavery), who was mostly in the northern states. It is estimated that 80% of the blacks participating in the Union military forces were formerly slaves.  

But, prior to the Civil War escaped slaves in the late 1830s and early 1840s living with the Seminole Indians in Florida had intermarried and both lived together in community. These slaves were tribal members referred to as Seminole Negroes. The Seminole Negroes were relocated to Indian Country –West (now known as Oklahoma) during the massive Indian Relocation to the West. The Seminole Negroes moved/escaped Indian Country and moved to Mexico. In Mexico because of their great military skills to include hunting, tracking, horse riding, and gunmanship, they served as soldiers in the Mexican Army.

Thus, the Native American and African American have a long history of courage, skill, and military prowess both separately and as a merged people of common ancestry.  

Article by CherokeeCloud