Starting in 1863, why did frederick douglas believe that african-americans should serve as soldiers in the union army? a. they were better equipped physically to fight. b. it was the best way to gain revenge on slaveholders. c. they needed to take ownership of their freedom. d. they needed a paying job. e. they could work well as spies, infiltrating large plantations.

c. They needed to take ownership of their freedom.

Frederick Douglass appealed to African-Americans to be active in fighting for their own freedom from slavery and oppression.  Standing in a church pulpit in Syracuse, New York, in 1863, Douglass said, "Who would be free themselves must strike the blow. I urge you to fly to arms and smite to death the power that would bury the Government and your liberty in the same hopeless grave. This is your golden opportunity."