Racism

There is substantial historical evidence that Confederate forces executed Black Union soldiers who were taken as prisoners during the U.S. Civil War, often in violation of the laws of war. This was driven by the Confederacy’s refusal to recognize Black soldiers as legitimate combatants, viewing them instead as rebellious slaves or threats to the institution of slavery.   The Confederate government explicitly threatened harsh treatment for captured Black Union soldiers. In 1863, the Confederate Congress issued a resolution stating that Black soldiers captured in uniform would not be treated as prisoners of war but could be executed…