About this book
William Allison Sweeney's History of the American Negro presents a groundbreaking chronicle of African American service and sacrifice across America's defining conflicts. Drawing on official War Department records and firsthand accounts from military commanders, this historical work meticulously documents the courage and contributions of Black soldiers from the Revolutionary War through World War I, with particular focus on their splendid record in the battle zones of Europe during the Great World War.
Sweeney, a contributing editor of the Chicago Defender, challenges prevailing narratives by centering African American experiences in major conflicts including the War of 1812, the Civil War, frontier Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, and the Mexican campaigns. The narrative emphasizes themes of spiritual emancipation and the elevation of the human spirit through adversity, tracing how tragedy and tribulation forge national character.
This landmark 1919 account features tributes from distinguished figures including French and American military commanders, YMCA leadership, and prominent philanthropists who witnessed Black soldiers' valor firsthand. The work includes a comprehensive summary of the 370th Infantry Regiment's activities from mobilization to demobilization, providing an essential historical record often overlooked in mainstream war narratives.
Ideal for history enthusiasts, students of military history, and readers seeking comprehensive accounts of African American contributions to American democracy, this audiobook reveals the untold stories of resilience, patriotism, and dignity that shaped the nation.
