Like Men of War

Like Men of War chronicles the experiences of Black Union soldiers during the American Civil War, focusing on their battles, daily lives, and struggles for recognition and equality. The book draws from letters, diaries, military records, and other primary sources to reconstruct their stories. The narrative follows several key engagements where Black troops played significant roles, including the Battle of Fort Wagner and the Battle of New Market Heights. Through detailed accounts of military operations and personal testimonies, the book examines how these soldiers proved their worth in combat despite facing discrimination from both sides. The text illustrates how the Civil War transformed from a conflict solely about preserving the Union into one that encompassed Black freedom and citizenship. The author's research reveals how Black soldiers' service challenged racial prejudices and contributed to evolving attitudes about race in American society.

Readers note this is a focused military history that thoroughly documents African American combat units in the Civil War. Many reviewers appreciate the detailed accounts of specific battles and the extensive use of first-hand sources, particularly soldier letters and diaries. Readers praise: - Clear battle narratives and troop movements - Personal stories that bring soldiers' experiences to life - Documentation of discrimination faced by Black soldiers - Maps and diagrams that aid understanding Common critiques: - Dense military terminology can be challenging for casual readers - Some sections get bogged down in tactical details - Limited coverage of non-combat aspects of soldiers' lives Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (48 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (21 ratings) Several reviewers note it fills an important gap in Civil War literature. One reader called it "meticulously researched but still readable." Another praised how it "lets the soldiers tell their own stories through their words."

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🔹 The book meticulously documents the experiences of Black soldiers in the Civil War through hundreds of first-hand accounts, letters, and military records, revealing stories that had been largely overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. 🔹 Noah Andre Trudeau spent over 25 years as a producer at National Public Radio, where he won several prestigious broadcasting awards before dedicating himself to writing Civil War history full-time. 🔹 Nearly 180,000 Black soldiers served in the Union Army during the Civil War, representing approximately 10% of the entire Union Army by the war's end. 🔹 The title "Like Men of War" comes from a quote by a Confederate soldier who, after witnessing Black Union troops in battle, remarked that they "fought like men of war" - challenging prevalent racist beliefs about Black soldiers' combat abilities. 🔹 Black Union soldiers faced significant discrimination in pay, receiving only $10 per month (with $3 deducted for clothing) while white soldiers received $13 with no deductions - a disparity that continued until June 1864.