The Human Face of War

Men all over the country fought in the civil war.  Many soldiers hoped for excitement but found terror. Confederate soldiers did not have enough food.  About 180,000 African American fought for the union. Irish, German, and Italian immigrants fought for the union.  More than 3,000 women nursed the sick in the south and north.

When men left women took on new task. They ran farms and businesses. They sewed uniforms, knitted socks, made banges, and raised money.  Most battles took place in the south so the people in the north could not see what was happening. Enslaved people suffered but they knew the war would bring freedom.  Soldiers and civilizes in the south did not have enough food. Juneteenth is the day slavery end. It ended on June 19, 1865.  Parts of the south celebrated Juneteenth. Juneteenth is also known as freedom day. It is the oldest celebrated commemorating ending of slavery.

Source: Houghton Mifflin Company

United States history, page 460-463

by:jeffrey