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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/the-54th- massachusetts-infantry28