Many persons believed, or pretended to believe, and confidently asserted, that freed slaves would not make good soldiers; they would lack courage and could not be subjected to military discipline. Facts have shown how groundless were these apprehensions. The slave has proved his manhood, and his capacity as an infantry soldier, at Milliken's Bend, at the assault upon Port Hudson, and the storming of Fort Wagner.
-Edwin M. Stanton, letter to Abraham Lincoln
What does this letter suggest about the importance of the Battle of Milliken's Bend?
A. It ended the war.
B. It was a major Confederate victory.
C. It was won with few African American deaths.
D. It disproved the belief that formerly enslaved men would not be good soldiers.
Answer (2)
The Battle of Milliken's Bend was significant as it disproved the belief that formerly enslaved men would not make good soldiers. Edwin Stanton's letter emphasizes how this battle demonstrated the courage and capacity of African American troops. Their success helped change perceptions about their role in military service during the Civil War. ;
The Battle of Milliken's Bend was crucial in demonstrating that formerly enslaved men could be effective soldiers, directly challenging prevailing prejudices of the time. Edwin M. Stanton's letter indicates that this battle helped prove their courage and capacity in military service. Thus, the correct answer is D: It disproved the belief that formerly enslaved men would not be good soldiers.
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