How did slaves get treated in the Civil War?

Answer by  DDeSoto (196)

What is often overlooked is that the Union was allowed to keep their slaves so both sides owned slaves. The southern slave owners also usually became more cruel than before.

Answer by  xela (349)

While the Emancipation Proclamation didn't free any actual slaves, some fought for the Union Army. Others fought in black units for the Confederacy. The army was not integrated until around 100 years later. For those slaves who were not in the army, life remained very much the same as it was previously-- nasty, brutish, and generally short.

Answer by  jclick (1561)

During the Civil War some slaves fought on the side of the Confederacy as ordered to by their masters. Some slaves went on with their daily lives.

Answer by  beck (1099)

Treatment varied widely depending on where they were and the state of mind of the owners. In some instances life became even harsher as the owners became fearful of losing their slaves and instituted measures to insure none ran away. Others found life easier as owners left for war.