What discrimination did Black Union soldiers face during the war?

During the American Civil War, Black Union soldiers faced systemic discrimination and severe mistreatment that extended beyond the battlefield.1

Institutional Inequality

Black troops were organized into segregated units commanded by white officers, with very few African Americans achieving officer rank. They were frequently relegated to manual labor, such as building forts or performing guard duty, rather than participating in combat. Furthermore, they were routinely issued inferior or outdated equipment compared to their white counterparts.1

Financial and Health Disparities

Initially, Black soldiers were paid less than white soldiers. While white privates earned $13 per month with uniforms provided, Black soldiers received $10 per month, from which $3 was deducted for uniform costs. Additionally, because they were often stationed in camps rather than on the march, they were at a significantly higher risk of contracting diseases, which accounted for the majority of their war-related deaths.1

Treatment as Prisoners of War

Perhaps the most extreme discrimination was the threat faced upon capture. Confederate forces often refused to treat Black soldiers as prisoners of war, instead threatening to enslave them or subjecting them to harsher treatment, as exemplified by the Fort Pillow Massacre.21