Contraband was a term commonly used in the US military during the American Civil War to describe a new status for certain escaped slaves or those who affiliated with Union forces.

Why is the contraband important?

Contrabands were slaves who escaped to Union lines during the Civil War. When the conflict began, the North's aim was primarily to preserve the Union, not to end slavery. Slaves who escaped to Union lines early in the war were often returned to their masters.

What is the role of contraband during the time of war?

Contraband, in the laws of war, goods that may not be shipped to a belligerent because they serve a military purpose. The second class consisted of items such as food, clothing, and rolling stock, which were to be treated as contraband only if in transit to the government or armed forces of an enemy. ...