The 54th Massachusetts

January 1, 1863January 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 leadersRegiment’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 ReactionSouthern 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 RegimentTension 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 FightingNotable Fighting

Fort Wagner (July 18, 1863) Charleston, SC 272 casualties Colonel Shaw

killed in action Union unable to

take over the fort

Fort Wagner (July 18, 1863) Charleston, SC 272 casualties Colonel Shaw

killed in action Union unable to

take over the fort

LegacyLegacy

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

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