The Right to Fight: A History of African Americans in the Military

First time in paperback: An all—encompassing chronicle of African Americans' in the armed forces of the United States.

From the birth of the United States, African American men and women have fought and died in defense of a nation that has often denied them many fundamental rights of citizenship. Now Gerald Astor has chronicled their efforts and accomplishments in this critically acclaimed survey. From Crispus Attucks, first casualty of the American Revolution, to fighters on both sides of the Civil War, Astor moves to the postwar Indian campaigns and the infamous Brownsville riot. He also documents the prejudices and grievous wrongs that have kept African Americans from service—and finally traces their ascent to the highest levels. The Right to Fight is a groundbreaking contribution to American history.

Author Biography: Gerald Astor is a prominent military historian and author whose previous books include A Blood—Dimmed Tide, The Greatest War, and The Mighty Eighth. He lives near New York City.