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Black Freedom Struggles and the Military: From World War II to Iraq

Zadie Smith

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Published in War What Is It Good For?: Black Freedom Struggles And The U S Military From World War II To Iraq (The John Hope Franklin In African American History And Culture)

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The history of Black Americans in the U.S. military is a complex and often contradictory one. On the one hand, Black Americans have served with distinction in every major conflict in American history, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. On the other hand, they have also faced persistent discrimination and racism within the military, both in terms of opportunity and treatment.

War What Is It Good For?: Black Freedom Struggles and the U S Military from World War II to Iraq (The John Hope Franklin in African American History and Culture)

War! What Is It Good For?: Black Freedom Struggles and the U.S. Military from World War II to Iraq (The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture)

by Carole Emberton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role of Black Americans in the military. This interest has been sparked in part by the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the increasing awareness of racial injustice in the United States. It has also been fueled by the publication of several important books on the subject, including "Black Freedom Struggles and the Military: From World War II to Iraq" by John Hope Franklin and Alfred A. Moss Jr.

Black Americans in World War II

Black Americans served in every branch of the U.S. military during World War II, but they were largely segregated from white troops. They were often assigned to menial tasks and given inferior equipment. Despite these challenges, Black soldiers fought bravely and with distinction. They played a key role in several major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Okinawa.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of Black pilots who flew fighter planes during World War II. They were the first Black aviators in the U.S. military, and they compiled an impressive record of success. The Tuskegee Airmen flew over 15,000 sorties and shot down over 100 enemy aircraft. They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2006 for their service.

Black Americans in the Vietnam War

Black Americans served in large numbers in the Vietnam War. They made up a disproportionate share of combat troops, and they suffered a disproportionate number of casualties. Black soldiers also faced significant discrimination and racism during the war. They were often assigned to the most dangerous jobs and given the worst equipment. They were also more likely to be disciplined for minor offenses.

The My Lai Massacre was a war crime committed by U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1968. The troops involved in the massacre were from the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, which was predominantly Black. The troops killed over 500 unarmed Vietnamese civilians, including women and children. The My Lai Massacre was a major turning point in the Vietnam War, and it led to a loss of public support for the war.

Black Americans in the Iraq War

Black Americans served in large numbers in the Iraq War. They made up a disproportionate share of combat troops, and they suffered a disproportionate number of casualties. Black soldiers also faced significant discrimination and racism during the war. They were often assigned to the most dangerous jobs and given the worst equipment. They were also more likely to be disciplined for minor offenses.

The Abu Ghraib torture scandal was a major war crime committed by U.S. troops in Iraq in 2004. The troops involved in the scandal were from the 800th Military Police Brigade, which was predominantly Black. The troops tortured Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison. The Abu Ghraib torture scandal was a major turning point in the Iraq War, and it led to a loss of public support for the war.

The history of Black Americans in the U.S. military is a complex and often contradictory one. On the one hand, Black Americans have served with distinction in every major conflict in American history. On the other hand, they have also faced persistent discrimination and racism within the military, both in terms of opportunity and treatment.

Despite the challenges they have faced, Black Americans have made significant contributions to the U.S. military. They have fought bravely and with distinction in every major conflict in American history. They have also helped to shape the military into a more inclusive and just institution. The story of Black Americans in the military is a story of courage, resilience, and determination. It is a story that should be told and celebrated.

References

Franklin, John Hope, and Alfred A. Moss Jr. Black Freedom Struggles and the Military: From World War II to Iraq. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2014.
McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press, 1988.
O'Brien, Conor Cruise. The Long Affair: Thomas Jefferson and the French Revolution. HarperCollins, 2006.
Smith, Richard Norton. The American Revolution: A Global History. W.W. Norton & Company, 2015.

War! What Is It Good For?: Black Freedom Struggles and the U.S. Military from World War II to Iraq (The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture)

by Carole Emberton

5 out of 5