Civil War – Causes, Outcomes and the 54th Massachusetts Glory Civil War – Causes, Outcomes and the 54th Massachusetts

Why was there a Civil War? States Rights vs. Slavery South: Their rights as states were being violated North: Slavery should not be expanded into new territories

54th Massachusetts First military unit of black soldiers raised in the North Emancipation Proclamation (December 1862) Provided the “push” needed to form African American regiments MA  first to form a African American regiment

Enlistment & Controversy? Over 1,000 men volunteered Most were not former slaves Robert Gould Shaw – leader Was believed only whites could lead Regiment forced to destroy Darien, GA Undefended, not important to the war Unequal pay – didn’t change till late in war Most soldiers ripped up their checks

The Warning Confederate Congress declared: Captured black soldier  Slavery White officers  Executed 

Fort Wagner “I want you to prove yourselves,” he said. “The eyes of thousands will look on what you do tonight.” – Col. Shaw Fort guarded Charleston Assault began at dusk Officers led the attack (Very unusual) Typically officers followed soldiers into battle Union generals miscalculated Confederate troop levels 54th was outnumbered/outgunned Most were killed or wounded

Outcomes Confederates dumped bodies in a single unmarked trench (Show disrespect) Shaw’s parents replied that there could be “no holier place” to be buried than “surrounded by…brave and devoted soldiers.” Confederates forced to leave the damaged fort Opened up more opportunities for African Americans William Harvey Carney awarded Medal of Honor

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