Freedom by the Sword: The U.S. Colored Troops 1862-1867 - Softcover

Doback, William A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1944961135 ISBN 13: 9781944961138

Publisher: St. John's Press, 2016

Synopsis

As a part of the "Army Historical Series" "Freedom by the Sword" tells the story of the Colored Troops (as they were called) recruitment, organization, and service. The broad focus is on every theater of the Civil War and its concentration on what black soldiers actually contributed to Union victory. Tells what they actually did as soldiers during the war. Examines the Colored Troops' formation, training, and operations during the entire span of their service, and in every theater of the war in which they served. Underscores the unique nature of their contributions both to Union victory and to their own liberation.

About this title

Review:

Xpress Reviews: Nonfiction-First Look at New Books, December 23, 2011 -- Library Journal
December 22, 2011 by Bette-Lee Fox
Week ending December 23, 2011
Dobak, William A. Freedom by the Sword: The U.S. Colored Troops, 1862-1867. Ctr. of Military History. (Army Historical Series). 2011. c.553p. illus. maps, bibliog. index. ISBN 97801608866968. $69.95. HIST-- (ISBN pertains to Hardcover format)
"The title of this book comes from the Latin inscription on a medal struck for black Union soldiers: Ferro iis libertas perveniet ("Freedom will be theirs by the sword"). Dobak (retired, U.S. Army Ctr. of Military History; Fort Riley and Its Neighbors) argues that rather than being passive recipients of freedom attained for them by Northern white soldiers, African Americans fought for their own freedom and did so effectively. In spite of severe prejudice in the North and frequently poor leadership from their own all-white officers, the U.S. Colored Troops served with distinction. Dobak examines his subject by geographic area and time period rather than in strict narrative form. This approach makes it harder for readers to see the "big picture" of black accomplishments in the war but effectively shows how --contrary to common opinion -- black soldiers did not merely garrison forts and serve as laborers for white fighting troops. As indicated by his title, Dobak covers the first months of Reconstruction as well as the war itself.""

Book Description:

A landmark volume on the history of African American soldiers during the Civil War.

About this edition

• Publisher: St. John's Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1944961135
• ISBN 13: 9781944961138
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 574