In what ways did african americans shape the course and consequences of then civil war? confine your answer to the years from 1861 to 1870.

Despite what some revisionist historians say, the Civil War was really fought over slavery--nothing else. So in this sense, African Americans were essential to the start of the war and essential to the outcome, which brought about Reconstruction in the South.

The answers is most likely b since during a war the other options are just nice to have. but b is needed.