Though the war would be a victory for the north and lead to the abolishment of slavery, it was far from a happy victory. Despite their advantage in men, weaponry, and transportation the north was outsmarted militarily throughout the entire war. General Ulysses S. Grant was hailed, "The Butcher" due to his nature to send out his soldiers to certain death in order to gain victory over the south. One of Lincoln's most ingenious yet controversial decisions was freeing the slaves to fight for their own freedom. This was the first war to see African-Americans fight for the Union and against the very men that were attempting to keep them imprisoned.
Engineers of the 8th N.Y. State Militia, 1861. No. Ill-B-499. Cropped from Select List # 5
This photograph shows members of the New York militia that fought for the north. The picture shows them at a time of leisure.
This photograph shows members of the New York militia that fought for the north. The picture shows them at a time of leisure.
The 26th U.S. Colored Volunteer Infantry on parade, Camp William Penn, Pa., 1865. 165-C-692.
Fighting out of New York, the 26th Infantry was made up of African American. This photo shows them assembling at Rikers Island.
Fighting out of New York, the 26th Infantry was made up of African American. This photo shows them assembling at Rikers Island.
Alexander Gardner, September 1862
Allan Pinkerton is seen here before the Battle of Antietam. Pinkerton was a northern hero known for protecting President Lincoln and foiling an assassination attempt on the president's life.
Allan Pinkerton is seen here before the Battle of Antietam. Pinkerton was a northern hero known for protecting President Lincoln and foiling an assassination attempt on the president's life.
Washington DC, 1863
One can see the construction of the Capitol building in this photo. The construction was bolted during the war, and continued after the North was able to keep the Southern from capturing the DC area.
One can see the construction of the Capitol building in this photo. The construction was bolted during the war, and continued after the North was able to keep the Southern from capturing the DC area.
Matthew B. Brady, Battle of Seven Pines, May 31, 1862
Union forces fighting Stonewall Jackson commanded military during the Battle of Seven Pines.
Union forces fighting Stonewall Jackson commanded military during the Battle of Seven Pines.
George N. Barnard, Atlanta, Georgia, 1864
This powerful image shows an African American Union soldier seated in front of a slave auction house. Even though they fought in the war they were still prejudiced against.
This powerful image shows an African American Union soldier seated in front of a slave auction house. Even though they fought in the war they were still prejudiced against.
Matthew B. Brady
A former slave stands beside his fellow soldiers. At this time African-Americans were finally receiving equal pay compared to the White soldiers.
A former slave stands beside his fellow soldiers. At this time African-Americans were finally receiving equal pay compared to the White soldiers.
Mathew Brady, Columbia, South Carolina, 1865
During Union occupation, any and all items that could in someway could benefit the Confederates were destroyed.
During Union occupation, any and all items that could in someway could benefit the Confederates were destroyed.
General Ulysses S. Grant, 1870
Commanding General as appointed by Lincoln he became a very popular Northen figure after the war.
Commanding General as appointed by Lincoln he became a very popular Northen figure after the war.
James F. Gibson, Cumberland Landing, Virginia, on May 14, 1862.
A group of freed slaves or escaped slaves line up in front of Cumberland Landing.
A group of freed slaves or escaped slaves line up in front of Cumberland Landing.