Question

guided practice
why did congress pass the militia act before lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation?
a. to allow african americans to fight for the confederacy
b. to allow african americans to join the union military
c. to keep african americans from fighting next to white soldiers
d. to forbid african americans from joining the union military

Explanation:

The Militia Act, passed in 1862 before the Emancipation Proclamation, authorized the Union to enlist African Americans into its military forces, which was a key step in expanding the Union's manpower during the Civil War.

Answer:

B. to allow African Americans to join the Union military