The 54th Massachusetts

January 1, 1863  Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation (frees slaves)  Black men throughout the north are encouraged to join the war  Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation (frees slaves)  Black men throughout the north are encouraged to join the war

Regiment’s leaders  All black army regiments were lead by white officers  Colonel Robert Gould Shaw became leader of the 54th Massachusetts in March 1863  Recruited men throughout Boston  Overwhelming positive response  Mainly educated, free black men  All black army regiments were lead by white officers  Colonel Robert Gould Shaw became leader of the 54th Massachusetts in March 1863  Recruited men throughout Boston  Overwhelming positive response  Mainly educated, free black men

Southern Reaction  Jefferson Davis issues proclamation  All African American soldiers and any white officer leading them should be punished by death  Jefferson Davis issues proclamation  All African American soldiers and any white officer leading them should be punished by death

Tension within Regiment  Black soldiers were being paid $10 per month  Then $3 was withheld for clothing  This was NOT withheld from white soldiers  Many members of the 54th Massachusetts frequently refused their pay in protest of the inequality  Black soldiers were being paid $10 per month  Then $3 was withheld for clothing  This was NOT withheld from white soldiers  Many members of the 54th Massachusetts frequently refused their pay in protest of the inequality

Notable Fighting  Fort Wagner (July 18, 1863)  Charleston, SC  272 casualties  Colonel Shaw killed in action  Union unable to take over the fort

Legacy  Word of the regiment’s bravery at Fort Wagner inspires black men to join the army  Lessens racial tension in the north  Colonel Shaw is buried with his men, all black, at Fort Wagner  William Harvey Carney awarded Medal of Honor  Word of the regiment’s bravery at Fort Wagner inspires black men to join the army  Lessens racial tension in the north  Colonel Shaw is buried with his men, all black, at Fort Wagner  William Harvey Carney awarded Medal of Honor

 1989  “Their innocence. Their heritage. Their lives. Nothing would be spared in the fight for their freedom.”  Oscars: Best Supporting Actor (Denzel), Best Cinematography, Best Sound  Grammys: Best Instrumental Composition for a Motion Picture