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Why did general Benjamin Butler declare enslaved African American refugees to be contraband or captured war supplies?
Declaring slaves who had run away into the position of the Union Army to be "contraband" allowed the Union Army to "confiscate" them. This meant that the Union Army did not have to turn the runaways over to their owners, when the owners appeared wanting their slaves back. This denied the labor of the slaves to the south, and also satisfied the feelings of many in the Union Army, who did not like the idea of forcing slaves who had escaped back into servitude. So, for some months runaways were called "contrabands". This was before the Emancipation Proclamation, which did not take effect until January 1, 1863, by which time the war had been going on for more than nineteen months.
Union leaders had to steer clear of the mention of "emancipation", of freeing the slaves, for the first part of the war. Very early on the Union commander in Missouri, John C. Fremont, had issued his own "emancipation" without consulting President Lincoln first, or even warning anyone in Washington DC what he intended to do. Fremont was a "political general", one of a large number of men (like Ben Butler) who were appointed as generals in the army in the early days not because they were great soldiers, but because of their political clout and connections, so Fremont should have known better. (Fremont did at least have some military experience, unlike almost all the other political generals - he had become famous as "The Pathfinder" following publication of his book written about his explorations of the west as the commander of a military expedition before the war). Fremont had been the first Republican to run for President, but he lost in 1856. Lincoln was the first Republican elected. Lincoln forced Fremont to withdraw his proclamation of "emancipation" in those early days in Missouri. The reason for this was Lincoln was trying to woo the border states - states which had slavery, but had not seceded - yet, anyway - and joined the Confederacy. Lincoln had said he hoped to have God on his side, but he HAD to have Kentucky. So all talk of "emancipation" had to be stifled at first, to avoid alarming the politically powerful large slave-holders in the border states (Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware) and to not give them the issue of slavery over which to decide they must cast their lot with the south, or be bankrupted.
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Why did union general Benjamin butler declare enslaved African American refuges to be contraband or captured war supplies?
Union General Benjamin Butler declared enslaved African American refugees as "contraband" based on the military necessity to undermine the Confederacy's labor force. By classifying them as captured war supplies, he aimed to prevent their return to enslavers and provide them protection, thereby advancing the Union's war efforts. This decision also signaled a shift in the Union's approach to slavery, recognizing the potential of enslaved individuals to contribute to the Union cause.
Why did union general Benjamin butler declare enslaved blacks refugees to be contraband or captured war suppiles?
Union General Benjamin Butler declared enslaved Blacks as "contraband" of war to deny the Confederacy their labor and to undermine their economy during the Civil War. By categorizing them as captured war supplies, Butler aimed to provide a legal justification for protecting these individuals, allowing them to seek refuge with Union forces. This decision also marked a significant step towards recognizing the role of enslaved people in the conflict, as it highlighted their status in the war effort and contributed to the evolving Union policy regarding emancipation.
How did most Africans become enslaved?
most people became enslaved in African societies either through being captured during tribal warfare or , more often than people realise today, by being sold by their tribal cheifs to Arab or European slave traders for monetary profit.
What was considered contraband during the Civil War?
During the Civil War, contraband referred to enslaved people who escaped from Confederate territories and sought refuge in Union lines. The Union Army classified them as contraband of war, meaning they were considered property seized from the enemy, thus allowing them to be freed. This classification led to the establishment of policies that provided for the care and eventual emancipation of these individuals. The contraband status played a significant role in the evolving views on slavery and contributed to the eventual push for the Emancipation Proclamation.
How were enslaved African Americans Before the Emancipation Proclamation enslaved African Americans who were captured by Union forces were often treated as .?
Before the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans who were captured by Union forces were often treated as contraband, meaning they were considered property of the Confederate states and not afforded the same rights as free individuals. Many were placed in camps where they faced harsh living conditions, inadequate food, and limited medical care. However, some Union commanders began to recognize their potential contributions to the war effort, leading to varying degrees of support and protection. Ultimately, the Emancipation Proclamation shifted the status of many of these individuals, allowing them to fight for their freedom and contribute to the Union cause.
Why did union general Benjamin butler declare enslaved African-American refugees to be contraband or captured war supplies?
He would not have to return them to slave holders in the south
Why did Union General Benjamin Butler declare enslaved African American refugees to be contraband or captured war supplies?
It was an excuse for not returning the slaves to their owners, and thereby weakening the Southern economy.
Why did union general Benjamin butler declare enslaved African American refuges to be contraband or captured war supplies?
Union General Benjamin Butler declared enslaved African American refugees as "contraband" based on the military necessity to undermine the Confederacy's labor force. By classifying them as captured war supplies, he aimed to prevent their return to enslavers and provide them protection, thereby advancing the Union's war efforts. This decision also signaled a shift in the Union's approach to slavery, recognizing the potential of enslaved individuals to contribute to the Union cause.
Why did union general butler declare enslaved African American American refugees to be contraband or captured war supplies?
It was an excuse for not returning the slaves to their owners, and thereby weakening the Southern economy.
Why did union general Benjamin butler declare enslaved blacks refugees to be contraband or captured war suppiles?
Union General Benjamin Butler declared enslaved Blacks as "contraband" of war to deny the Confederacy their labor and to undermine their economy during the Civil War. By categorizing them as captured war supplies, Butler aimed to provide a legal justification for protecting these individuals, allowing them to seek refuge with Union forces. This decision also marked a significant step towards recognizing the role of enslaved people in the conflict, as it highlighted their status in the war effort and contributed to the evolving Union policy regarding emancipation.
Who were enslaved before the African?
prisoners of war such as warriors that got captured then were enslaved
Why did union Benjamin butler declare enslaved African American refugees to be contraband or capture war supplies?
The law allowed for enemy property to be confiscated. Since the South considered slaves chattels (personal property), Butler took advantage of the loophole to free the slaves in Southern territory under Union control.
Why was red from the edge on the sword enslaved?
he was captured by the danish
What did enslaved people in African societies had?
Been captured in the war
Before the emancipation proclmatioproclamation enslaved African Americans who were captured by union forces were often treated as?
Before the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans captured by Union forces were often treated as "contraband of war." This meant that they were considered property seized from the enemy and were typically not returned to their enslavers. Instead, many were put to work for the Union army or in support roles, reflecting a shift in how the Union viewed their status and contributions during the Civil War. This treatment laid the groundwork for the eventual push towards emancipation and the recognition of their rights.
How was olaudah equiano enslaved?
He was captured at the age of eleven, by slave traders.
Who was the first black to be enslaved?
this is unknown since it was many people who were captured.
