Justice in the Civil War

The tag at the bottom states, “Teaching the negro recruits the use of the minie rifle” (Harper’s Weekly. Journal of Civilization [New York] March 14, 1863). This image demonstrates the lack of knowledge that the African Americans had during the Civil War. The white man is pointing to a direction yet most of the African Americans are not paying attention. In fact, they seem confused. Some of them have rifles but are holding them the wrong direction; they don’t seem ready to fight.

The Civil War had, by far the most casualties, estimated to be between 650,000 to 850,000 deaths, according to pbs.org. This newspaper cover acts as propaganda for the war. Even the least educated men can join the cause and make a difference as shown by the drummer boy standing in the front. Joining the North is their only way out. The white man has no weapons and one of his arms are behind his back. He is only giving orders.

One of the main differences between the white man and the black men is the way they present themselves. For example, the white man looks very clean-cut and proper. The black men look out of order. The black men’s uniforms are messy while the white man’s uniform is proper and clean. This difference shows their difference in ranks. Even though the white man isn’t fighting, he still has better uniform than the soldiers.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/death-numbers/