54th Massachusetts Infantry History

Words: 590

Pages: 3

Open Document

How it began
The 54th Massachusetts infantry came to be on January 1, 1863 when the Emancipation Proclamation said African Americans who were healthy could fight in the United States armed forces. Governor John Andrew of Massachusetts called for the first black soldiers of the civil war. This brought many people & 1007 African Americans some as young as 16 & 37 white officers creating the 54th Massachusetts infantry.
First Pre-Battle Meeting
On May 28, 1863 the 54th gathered at the Boston common to prepare for the battle fields in the south. According to the south any captured black solders would be returned to slavery & any captured white commanders of the blacks would be executed. At the close of their parade Governor Jackson said, …show more content…
Lt. Col. Hopper took control of the regiment starting June 18, 1864. After almost a month Colonel Edward returned on July 16th. On April 19th 1861 they were given equal pay.
Legacy
A tribute to the 54th was built in 1898 on the Boston Commons, is a part of the Boston Black Heritage Trail. A plaster of this monument is displayed in the entryway to the U.S. paintings galleries at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1900. The monument was in a poem called “For the Union Dead”-”Two months after marching through Boston, half the regiment was dead; at the dedication, William James could almost hear the bronze men breathe.” Even though the 54th deserved this monument Shaw’s father wanted no monument “except the ditch, where his son’s body was thrown and lost with his soldiers.”
After the War
The Union asked the Confederates at Wagner to return Shaw’s body, but they wouldn’t saying they buried him with his soldiers. Shaw’s father was proud that he had been buried in that manner. He said “We hold that a soldier’s most appropriate burial-place is on the field where he has fallen.”

The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Essay example

The 54th Massachusetts Infantry was one of the first major all-black units in The United States of America during the Civil War. Men came from all over to join their ranks. They traveled from states such as Indiana, Ohio, New York and even Canada to join up with the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. One quarter of these brave, courageous volunteers came from slave states and the Caribbean. More than 1000 volunteered to join the ranks of the 54th. These men came to Massachusetts for a single reason:…

Words 1189 - Pages 5

Segregation In The Military

war, but upon coming home, everyone one throws out looks of disgust. Yet, it’s still expected to fight for their freedom. That is how the segregated military units felt. Segregation was a big part of society and it was happening for a long time. In history it has been socially acceptable to have separate divisions in the military. The earliest was back in the Civil War era and it was not until around World War 2 that segregation in the armed forces started to come to a halt, the Hansberry vs. Roosevelt…

Words 1293 - Pages 6

Glory Movie Historical Accuracy

After a precise analysis, I’ve concluded that the events taken place in the film were, for the most part, correct. The film covers important dates and events. Such as the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry from its organization in the winter of 1863 to the assault against Fort Wagner in 1863. In May of 1863, the 54th completed its training and marched through Boston to embark for the front (a scene nicely depicted in Glory). About the same time the New York Tribune, the leading Northern newspaper…

Words 529 - Pages 3

Calvin Harvey Walker's Battle Analysis

Calvin Harvey Walker, a colonel in the confederate army was born in Maury, Tennessee on the 11th of Nov 1823 and passed away on the 22nd of Jun 1864 in Marietta, Georgia, US. Killed during the battle of Kolb's Farm in Georgia. He was remembered by his soldiers as a father figure and as a mentor. Colonel Walker although being on the wrong side of the war and the race issue was also motivated by loyalty to his state and indoctrination. Drafts and enrollment in the armed forces have been a major issue…

Words 829 - Pages 4

John Andrew Research Paper

Introduction John Andrew was a prominent figure in American History, particularly during the Civil War era, and was also well known for his advocacy for abolitionism and civil rights. Early Life And Education. John was born on May 31, 1818, in Maine. He was the oldest son of Johnathon Andrew and Nancy Pierce. His family lived modestly and held education in high regard. Andrew attended Bowdoin College, where he developed a passion for law and politics. Legal and Political Career After graduating from…

Words 896 - Pages 4

Glory Movie Essay

Based off of true history, the movie Glory tells the story of the the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in the United States Civil War. The 54th Regiment was the first all black volunteer company, besides the white commanders. Perhaps an ironic title, Glory depicts the problems and the struggles that face the platoon both from outside racism to internal conflict; as well as the victories and triumphs. Glory is a reminder of the roles of African Americans in the Civil War. One of…

Words 467 - Pages 2

Summary Of The Movie Glory

story of the transformation from an oppressed people to proud people. The movie glory tells the history of the 54th Massachusetts infantry. It became the first black regiment to fight for the north in the civil war. The regiment was made up of black soldiers, some were northern freeman, and some were escaped slaves. The leader was General Robert Gould Shaw, the son of Boston abolitionists. The men of the 54th regiment proved themselves worthy of the freedom for which they were fighting, and the respect…

Words 2033 - Pages 9

Racism in Film Essay

Racism in Film Throughout the history of film in the United States, the depiction of race has only changed slightly. Although, the display of various races in film is pertinent to the specific time period in which the film was made, films have, for the most part, always portrayed white superiority over other races. People of color have traditionally been presented in a negative way (if presented at all) that helps to maintain the status quo where whites are at the top of the social hierarchy. A…

Words 2711 - Pages 11

Analysis Of Abraham Lincoln's Beliefs Regarding The Emancipation Proclamation

Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States of America, was placed in presidency at a time of racial difference. He was responsible for the spark that geared the United States into the dissolution of slavery and preservation of the Union. Prior to this crucial freedom slaves were instructed to sustain incredible amounts of pain and injuries along with unhealthy relationships from the whites to benefit the whites. He was liable for the Emancipation Proclamation whose effects benefited…

Words 1442 - Pages 6