African Americans in Military Service

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, African Americans made significant sacrifices by volunteering to fight for the United States in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.

Weblink address (URL): 
African Americans in Military Service
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Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 
  • Student will analyze photographs and stereographs.
  • Students will categorize primary sources chronologically by identifying context clues.
Essential and guiding questions: 

How did African Americans contribute to the war effort during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 
  • Students can explore the Trials and Triumphs Web site to learn more about Tennessee’s history between the end of the American Civil War and the end of World War II.
  • Prompt your students to discuss how African Americans also fought during the Civil War. How was this a different situation for the African Americans than volunteering for the other three wars discussed?
  • Learn more about the Veterans History Project.

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES:
Primary Sources: Library of Congress

  • True sons of freedom [1918]
  • Colored Troops Disembarking in 1898 [1898]
  • Ninth U.S. Cavalry--famous Colored Regiment--Draw Sabers! [ca. 1898]
  • World War I soldier with American flag in background [between 1914 and 1918]
  • Medal of honor men Have received medals of honor in United States Army and Navy. [ca. 1900]
  • 24th Infantry Leaving Salt Lake City, Utah for Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 24th, 1898 [1898]

Primary Sources: Trials and Triumphs

  • Nancy Harvey Searcy [ca. 1940s]
  • Group of African Americans being transferred to jail in Nashville [1946]
  • Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant wood shop workers [ca. 1940s]
  • Company 1, 20 Regiment, Third W.A.C. Training Center, Fort Oglethorpe, BA [1945]