Answer: D - Immigrants faced discrimination in the army during this era, as they did in mainstream society, so they were not promoted more rapidly. However, they comprised about 25% of the Union army, making them a significant force and giving the North a definite advantage. Many fought for practical reasons; the army provided basic necessities, a definite advantage for recent immigrants who didn't have much in the way of assets. Others were coopted or forced to join. However, there were a number of immigrants who joined for to uphold the promise of freedom that they came to America to find.
