German Immigrants Contribution in Union Army During Civil War - Report Example

GERMAN IMMIGRANTS CONTRIBUTION IN UNION ARMY DURING Civil War Introduction A large percentage of those who fought the American war were not Native Americans. The American war resulted in the most number of deaths ever recorded by the United States of America. With this fact in mind, the high regard placed upon it becomes self explanatory. The war between the Northerners and the Southerners was hinged on a variety of factors. However, the principal bone of contention was the subject of slavery. The northerners believed that the wrongful nature of slavery. Conversely, the Southerners had been a pro-slavery group. The army that was loyal to the north was referred to as the Union army, whereas, the army that was loyal to the south had been referred to as the Confederate army. The nature of the war between these two sides was such that each member of the society was to offer their services, for a charge of course, to the army allied to that region. However, it was agreed that a member could seek their replacement in the army. This was as long as they paid the person taking their place. This arrangement was significantly beneficial to the large immigrants who were seeking secure economic life and a safe place to call home. Aside from the pay, these immigrants received from the people they were replacing, they were also entitled to a salary from the army. Given this, there is no surprise that both armies were in the end characterized by an enormous number of immigrants. Germans immigrants formed a considerable percentage of these immigrants who entered the war. This paper seeks to expound on the role played specifically by these German immigrants in the American Civil War. It is imperative to mention that the analysis of the role of these immigrant soldiers will hinge on those in the Union army. This is because a majority of the German immigrants dedicated their allegiance to this side of the war. There were indeed German immigrants who went the other way. Analysis Prior to analyzing the impact of German immigrants on the American civil war, it is imperative to first expound on the factors motivating this large number of Germans into war. The first motivation was of course financial gain. An immigrant in the United States had to compete for menial work with the slaves. As such, their chances of securing gainful employment were dismal at best. This is the picture of the prospective life of an immigrant in the United States. However, enter the war and this picture transforms drastically and a ray of hope now becomes visible. The wage rate given by the two employers, that is the army and the individual they are replacing in the war is extremely higher than the immigrants could ever predict1. Given the gravity of the prospect of low living conditions that faced the immigrants; the power of this financial incentive cannot be overestimated. The second motivating factor hinges on the moral and emotional. A majority of the Germans who immigrated into America were escaping retribution for their role in the failed civil war, in Germany2. Amongst other vices, they were fighting against. This is a form of slavery in the context of the German word. Given this fact, it is no wonder they retaliated with any form of slavery that was still being practiced in the United States of America. However, it is crucial to point out that as society expects, they were some individuals who were not so appalled by this vice hence fighting for the other side, which is the pro-slavery southern side. An additional motivating factor is hinged on the fact that, via the war, the immigrants had a golden opportunity of becoming citizens of America. This was a chance very few immigrants if any, could pass. The temptation of lawfully gaining citizenship was more than the fright of demise. This is hinged on the rationale that many of these immigrants had their families to consider. As a result of the revolution of 1848, Germany had been facing both political and economic troubles3. As such, a great number of citizens opted to migrate to greener pastures. At the moment, the United States of America were the embodiment of these greener pastures. Statistics sourced from first data demonstrate that approximately 177,000 German born men were in the ranks of the Union Army4. At this juncture it becomes essential to point out that these immigrants lacked the enabling environment for assimilation as such, they ended to retain their own language and customs. This is regardless of the actuality that the majority of them had developed considerably intense feelings directed to the new homeland. The importance of reiterating this point will be elucidated later in the paper. The America civil war was a battle against the Union army, allied to the North, and the Confederate army allied with the South. Both of the sides had unique advantages at play for their victory. For instance, the Union army was equipped with better armour and superior advantage in terms of numbers. In the case of the Confederates, what they lacked in number and armoury they made up in their high morale, in addition to the quality leadership, that characterized the force.5 The German motivated themselves using the motto that all men are equal. As such, they fought for equality for all men6. This was the attitude adopted in the North. While they fought in the war, the men they substituted were safe in their homes. This brings into light one role played by the German immigrants. Due to their self sacrifice, they saved numerous lives of the indigenous Americans. This is a fact that is at times neglected by history. These German immigrants who pledged allegiance to the Northern side frequently experienced direct and intense combat. The large numbers of immigrants from Germany, who came to the United States, were of a number that those who joined the Union army formed ten percent of the whole force. This figure is highly significant given the fact that all of these individuals migrated from Europe into America to form ten percent of a force that is defending its native land. Unlike the indigenous population, the German immigrants were much older and more educated7. In addition to this, the immigrants tended to be more experienced in context to military training and fighting. This arises from their participation in the German armies. When this military training is coupled with the high education degree which most of them had, the result is an all rounded and efficient soldier. Given this straightforward fact, it is probable that they were more productive in the battle field in comparison to the semi-illiterate and young native population. In addition to this, they were being motivated by the fact that these elements they were fighting against were also at play in their homeland. As such, they had witnessed firsthand what these vices could do to a society if left un-curtailed. The tyranny present in the German homeland was enough proof. They were fighting against slavery not only due to social reasons, but economic reasons were also at play. This was something that was characteristically missing in the Native soldiers. An efficient soldier is one who is self motivated. In this case, the German immigrants had this all important traits. When this is coupled with their significant numbers, their vital role is becoming self explanatory. The German immigrants were professionals that included but not restricted to teachers, lawyers, tradesmen, farmers and at times journalists. When the Germans joined the war, they structured themselves sin German speaking units. This action demonstrates the massive numbers with which they entered into the war. At one, point, the secretary of the war attempted to ban the speaking to of German in the army. However, Lincoln overruled this order citing the fact that the Germans were playing a vital role in the campaign.8 As such, even Abraham Lincoln was aware of the fundamental function being carried out by the immigrant Germans. With time, the numbers of the immigrant Germans increased until they represented a full quarter of the soldiers in the Union Army. The Germans rose up the ranks in the Union army. Their vital role stretched up into the leadership positions. Where approximately, there were forty four German immigrants who reached the ranks of the Union army. As such, the Germans did not play a role only on the battlefields; rather they were also included in the planning stages of their missions. This says a lot of the vital role played by the immigrants. The participation of the Germans is thought to have changed the outcome of the war. The poor leadership and lack of coordination exhibited by the Union Army were all characteristics of failure in the war. However, the participation of the Germans compensated this disastrous trait. Abraham Lincoln is said to have asserted that the Germans are true and patriotic. In addition to this affirmation of the vital role of the Germans, General Lee of the Confederate army asserted the Germans played a vital role and in whose absence, the South could have easily won the war. Abraham Lincoln and the Confederate general Lee were not the only powerful individuals to voice their view on the Germans. The Congress also took notice of their invaluable input in winning the war. On May, 1776, the Senate called for a battalion to be set up purely for the Germans9. However, the controlling factor was that it had to be inclusive of both Pennsylvania and Maryland in equal proportion; that is on a fifty-fifty basis. By extension, the Union allowed the Germans to take control of their own military units. As such, they were allowed to house their own officers, in addition to being given the, freedom to speak in German. This was one such military unit that was given the duty of being the guards to the Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration. This symbolizes the faith and trust that Abraham Lincoln had entrusted to the Germans. Despite all these inputs and acclaim from highly respected people, history has tended to treat these German immigrants harshly. It tends to focus primarily on the negative. The failures are sourced from Trent and the Fort Red-bank assault. These instances resulted in failure due to unguided ambition coupled with poor levels of intelligence. This is rather unappreciative of history. The extent of these failures does not provide enough grounds to discredit the input of the Germans in the American civil war. In the words of the Confederate General, the war could have been won by the other side, were it not for the highly valuable input and assistance from the Germans. Conclusion The Germans migrated into America out of fear of retribution by the government because of anticipating in a failed German revolution. They came into the country in large numbers. However, what they found in America was the prevalence of vices akin to their homeland Germany. The reward, both social and economic that America was offering was simply subset deal they could ever get in their predicament. They found slavery rife, akin to the state and nature of serfdom in Germany. As such, they could picture the detrimental impact of slavery. Given the fat vat they has already witnessed the vices sourced from this practice, they could not have supported this activity. This is hinged on both the social and economic impacts of slavery. It is not doubtful whether or not the Union army could have won the American civil war. This is because; the answer to this is a resounding nay. It is only with the input of the German immigrants was the war won. Higher education levels and the military training a majority of the immigrants had been vital to the ultimate defeat of the Confederate army. These people were highly motivated, had quality education and training. As such, their input cannot be under-appreciated as history dictates is necessary. History has tended to judge these people harshly because of two primary military losses that occurred in the war. The fact of the matter is that, the German immigrants played a vital role in achieving success in the war. Bibliography Company, DIANE Publishing. Immigration and Nationality Act (1995). Pennsylvania: DIANE Publishing , 1995. DRAPER, JOHN WILLIAM. HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR. Michigan: the University of Michigan, 1867. Schouler, James. History of the United States of America: 1861-1865. The civil war. Dodd, Mead: the University of Michigan, 1800. The Nation: A Weekly Journal Devoted to Politics, Literature, Science, Drama, Music, Art, Industry,. New York: Nation Associates, 1870. Worrall, Dan Michael. The Anglo-German Concertina: A Social History, Volume 2. New York: Dan Michael Worrall, 2009. Read More