African Americans During The War - 1314 Words

In World War One the role that African-Americans had in the war served as a way to show that they are equal citizens and deserved to be treated like anyone else. Even with a country rejecting the blacks they still sought to bleed and risk their lives. The racism that was present during the war was so great and many African-American war efforts were diminished and twisted by whites. Even after all of this blacks were still eager to enlist in war and prove themselves worthy of serving. One may think that this abuse would deter a black man from serving. The African-Americans troops who wanted to serve wanted to prove themselves to their white neighbor even with the prevalent racism the whites showed. African Americans fighting in World War I†¦show more content†¦They viewed the conflict as an opportunity to prove their loyalty, patriotism, and worthiness for equal treatment in the United States (‘Fighting for Respect’). There were serious social, economic, and educ ational disparities between most black and white Americans. Late in 1917, the War Department created two all-black infantry divisions, the 93rd Infantry Division and the 92nd Infantry Division in World War I. Major Arthur Little of 93rd Division said â€Å"There are no American troops anywhere near us. Our great American general simply put the black orphan in a basket, set us on the doorstep of the French, pulled the bell, and went away† (Hanson 111). America was looking for anyway to get away from black troops. By dropping them with the French it meant that they were still in the war and America did not seem prejudice toward blacks. When the first black combat troops arrived in France in December, 1917, there was some controversy as to what to do with them. Once in the hands of the blacks America did not care anymore, for their hands were wiped clean of them. War in France was not bad according to the book â€Å"Freedom Struggles†. The book states â€Å"French soldiers treated them like comrades, giving the first casualty of their unit ‘a hero’s burial’ and expressly thanking black troops for their service† (Lentz-Smith 139). The French did many things for black soldiers that American military leaders would not allow. Giving thanks for their