1. Robert Gould Shaw Born to a prominent Abolitionist family in 1837. – Did not share beliefs of abolition. Studied at the University of Harvard from 1856-1859 – After 1859 Shaw dropped out, because he was unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. At the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861 he enlisted in the 7 th New York Infantry. – Served for 30 days in defense of Washington D.C.. Regiment was abolished after the 30 days. On May of 1861 Shaw became a second lieutenant in the 2 nd Massachusetts Infantry, in which he served 2 years, and later attained rank of Captain. In March of 1863 Shaw was appointed to raise and command the 54 th regiment. – The first regiment of African American troops in the Union Army. Civil War Trust." Robert Gould Shaw. Civilwar.com, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012.. Slide by: Bert Stewart

2. Shaw and the 54 th Initially took position as commander of the 54 th to please his mother, who was an abolitionist. – Originally did not share passion for abolition. Eventually grew to respect his men and believed they could fight as well as white soldiers. Fought and held boycott until his soldiers received equal pay. On May 28, 1863 Shaw lead his troops on a parade in Boston where they departed for South Carolina. 54 th was originally tasked for manual labor and did not see action until July 16 th at James Island. Shaw and the 54 th was chosen to lead the assault on Battery Wagner. – 54 th regiment proved to be as brave as any white troops, but Shaw was killed in the assault. Shaw was buried in mass grave under his black troops. Civil War Trust." Robert Gould Shaw. Civilwar.com, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012.. Slide by: Bert Stewart

3. List of the Casualties from the Assault on Fort Wagner Lauren Rhodes

4. Statistics of the Assault on Fort Wagner 272 of the 600 were killed, captured, or wounded Of those: – 116 were killed – 15 captured – 149 were wounded 52 men were reported missing in action Lauren Rhodes

5. Robert Gould Shaw Controversy in naming Robert Gould Shaw a Saint is that he:  Had the typical social racist beliefs of his era.  Initially declined to be the commander of the 54 th Regiment.  Believed that black soldiers would cower in battle. However, he:  Advocated for black soldiers to have their salaries be equal to those of white solders. Scharnhorst, Gary. "Project Muse." Project Muse. 34.4 (1988): 308-322. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. Aracely Vasquez

6. 54 th Regiment The 54 th Regiment is historic because:  The regiment consisted of the first free black volunteer soldiers of the Civil War. Among the soldiers were two of Frederic Douglass’s sons.  Although their first battle ended in defeat and resulted in the death of many of the troops, they proved themselves to be effective soldiers.  They earned respect and were granted equal pay.  They served as an example and inspired other black men to volunteer to fight in the war. "The 54th Massachusetts Regiment "The Men that Made History"." The History of the Wild West. Black-hawk-design, n.d. Web. 11 Nov 2012.. Aracely Vasquez

7.   Recruited by John Andrew, abolitionist, to become captain of the 54 th Massachusetts Regiment  Shaw displayed hesitation to leading African- American men, but essentially took the position to please his mother, Sarah Shaw.  He eventually became not only a leader to the 54 th Regiment, but also a member fighting along side his men.  Colonel Shaw’s actions as a leader left him an American Hero who lived, fought, and died with his troop. Colonel Shaw Alynn Peckham

8. Shaw’s Initial Reluctance -When first encountered with the offer to command the regiment, Shaw declined. -He was unsure of the quality of the men and doubted their ability to serve. -After eventually accepting, he grew close to his men and even fought for African-American rights (military pay). Vien Wheat

9.  My Hero by Benjamin Brawley  The poem entitled “My Hero,” published in 1922, was written by a black Harlem Renaissance writer, Benjamin Griffith Brawley, in honor of the white Civil War colonel of the all-black 54 th regiment, Robert Gould Shaw. The poem is noteworthy for the time period because Brawley gives homage to a white colonel who fought to give black soldiers the honor and respect due them, ultimately laying his life down for a cause he believed in. Slide by Ana Bogart

10.  My Hero by Benjamin Brawley April 22, 1882 - February 1, 1939 FLUSHED with the hope of high desire, He buckled on his sword, To dare the rampart ranged with fire, Or where the thunder roared; Into the smoke and flame he went, For God’s great cause to die— A youth of heaven’s element, The flower of chivalry. This was the gallant faith, I trow, Of which the sages tell; On such devotion long ago The benediction fell; And never nobler martyr burned, Or braver hero died, Than he who worldly honor spurned To serve the Crucified. And Lancelot and Sir Bedivere May pass beyond the pale, And wander over moor and mere To find the Holy Grail; But ever yet the prize forsooth My hero holds in fee; And he is Blameless Knight in truth, And Galahad to me. Slide by Ana Bogart Robert Gould Shaw

11.  http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/biog raphies/robert-gould-shaw.html http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/biog raphies/robert-gould-shaw.html  http://www.historynet.com/william-h-carney- 54th-massachusetts-soldier-and-first-black-us- medal-of-honor-recipient.htm http://www.historynet.com/william-h-carney- 54th-massachusetts-soldier-and-first-black-us- medal-of-honor-recipient.htm Maria Fernandez