A Social History of the American Negro

Focusing on the significant contributions of free blacks and slaves during the Civil War, this work also highlights African American involvement in earlier conflicts, such as the Revolution and the War of 1812. The author, William Wells Brown, aims to document the role of black soldiers in suppressing the rebellion, supported by reliable accounts from battle participants and historical research. While acknowledging potential errors, he intentionally avoids an exhaustive account of every skirmish, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive narrative on this often-overlooked aspect of American history.