African americans in world war I Essays -- essays research papers

Anthony J. Mitchell Summer 2002U.S. Since 1865 History 2063AFRICAIN AMERICAINS IN WORLD WAR IBefore WORLD WAR I, military service represented a source of dreary pride. Black educators, clergymen, and the press frequently referred to Negro heroes of the Statess past wars. After the Civil war, the U.S, Army maintained tetrad regular Negro regiments the 9th and 10th Calvary and the 24th and 25th Infantry. These units include veterans of the civil war and the frontier Indian fighting regiments. Retired sergeants often became respected, worldly-minded leaders in their communities. This history set a foundation for black support and involvement in Americas future wars. In 1917, the United States entered World fight I under the slogan compel the World Safe For Democracy. Within a week after the U.S, entered the war, the War Department stopped accepting black volunteers because colored army quotas were filled. No black men were allowed in the Marines, Coast guard or Airforce. and the y were allowed in the Navy only an as mess man which was a position the yielded very little advancement and no glory. When drafting began, of the more than 2,000,000 blacks registered 31 percent were accepted to 26 percent of the white men. Blacks thence comprised 10 percent of the population. World War I represented a turning point in black American history. It, presented an opportunity to rectify race relations at fundament despite the fighting abroad. How could you be racist against people whom are fighting to stabilize your exemption and the freedom of others was the mentality in the minds of black soldiers. Page 2Although World War I represented a turning point in American history it was evident racial relations would be and issue at home and abroad. When American troops began arriving on the western front whiz of the first to arrive on impertinent Years Day in 1918 was the 369th (Harlem Hell Fighters). This unit was the first to reach the Rhine in 1918 where the regiment legitimate 11 unit citations from the French. The 369th regimental band conducted by James Reese atomic number 63 and Noble Sissle is credited with the introduction of American Jazz into Europe. (Reid. A lifespan in Ragtime A Biography of James Reese Europe. . Little, Arthur W. From Harlem to the Rhine The story of New Yorks Colored Volunteers). This regimental band entertained troops and citizens in every city they visited and wa... ...n their efforts to make America truly democratic by ensuring full citizenship for its entire people. Black soldiers, who continued to serve in segregated units, were involved in protest against racial injustice on the home front and abroad. The introduction of black troops left a good effect on Europe. More than Page 4350,000 African Americans served in segregated units during World War I, mostly as support troops. some(prenominal) units saw action alongside French soldiersfighting against the Germans, and 171 African Americans were awarded the French Croix de Guerre or Legion of Honor for their heroic actions. In response to the mistreatment and inconsistency from the black community, several snow African American men certain officers training at Des Moines Iowa. By October 1917, over six hundred African Americans were commissioned as captains and first and second lieutenants. These accomplishments allowed the black American male to put his stake in American History non as a mere nuisance, or an inferior being visualized by racism but as an Honorable soldier whom endeavors to protect a country he loves despite discrimination received at home or abroad.