Which group made up most of the Union troops at the Battle of Honey Springs?

The correct answer is that Black soldiers made up most of the Union troops at the Battle of Honey Springs. This battle, fought on July 17, 1863, in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), was significant because it was one of the first major battles in which African American soldiers served in substantial numbers. The Union's commitment to recruiting Black soldiers during the Civil War led to their prominent involvement in many engagements, and Honey Springs was a key example of this trend.

The presence of Black troops in the Union army was a crucial factor in the Union's strategy to undermine the Confederacy's manpower, particularly in the border states and territories. These soldiers fought for their freedom and the rights of their people, which gave them a profound motivation in battle.

While other groups, such as Irish immigrants and Native Americans, participated in various capacities, their numbers did not comprise the majority of Union forces at this specific engagement. White settlers were also present in the Union ranks, but similar to the other groups, they did not constitute the majority. The battle is thus an important historical moment that reflects the broader participation of Black soldiers in the Union army and their role in changing perceptions around race and service in the U.S. military.