After Robert Smalls escaped to the Union army, how did he play an important role in the outcome of the war?

Question

After Robert Smalls escaped to the Union army, how did he play an important role in the outcome of the war?

He traveled to Europe and convinced England and France to remain neutral in the war.

He became an influential voice in convincing Lincoln to recruit black soldiers for the war effort.

He returned to the Charleston area repeatedly to capture other Confederate ships for the Union navy.

He moved to Canada and encouraged other escaped slaves to do the same in case of Confederate victory.

Answer 1

After Robert Smalls escaped to the Union army, he played an important role in the outcome of the war by becoming an influential voice in convincing Lincoln to recruit black soldiers for the war effort. He argued that African Americans should be allowed to fight for their own freedom and play an active role in the Union army. This advocacy eventually led to the formation of the United States Colored Troops (USCT), which played a crucial role in the Union's victory. Smalls himself went on to serve as a pilot for the Union navy and participated in numerous naval operations, including the capture of Confederate ships. His actions not only contributed directly to Union victories, but also symbolized the bravery and determination of African American soldiers fighting for their freedom.