Congress almost immediately passed the Militia Act that empowered the President to use free blacks and former slaves from the rebel states in any capacity in the army. It freed slaves whose owners were in rebellion against the United States. Congress passed the Confiscation Act in July 1862. Background The Confiscation Act Printed broadside, calling all men of color to arms, 1863 Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letter, U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pocket, there is no power on earth that can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship. The courage displayed by colored troops during the Civil War played an important role in African Americans gaining new rights. The USCT regiments were precursors to the Buffalo Soldier units which fought in the American Indian Wars. Numerous USCT soldiers fought with distinction, with 16 receiving the Medal of Honor. Approximately 20% of USCT soldiers were killed in action or died of disease and other causes, a rate about 35% higher than that of white Union troops. Established in response to a demand for more units from Union Army commanders, by the end of the war in 1865 USCT regiments, which numbered 175 in total, constituted about one-tenth of the manpower of the army. United States Colored Troops ( USCT) were Union Army regiments during the American Civil War that primarily comprised African Americans, with soldiers from other ethnic groups also serving in USCT units.
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