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Colonel Shaw of the 54th Massachusetts volunteered to spearhead the assault upon Fort Wagner in order to demonstrate the courage and fighting ability of the African-American soldiers under his command. During the Civil War, there was a great deal of controversy about allowing African-Americans to join the Union Army. Many white northerners believed that African American lacked the bravery and the ability to become effective soldiers. Though the attack by the 54th was costly, it proved that African-Americans soldiers were just as brave as their white counterparts and encouraged more African-Americans to join the Union army.

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Q: Why did Colonel Shaw want to lead the Attack on Fort Wagner when he knew it would probably mean many of them would die?
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Why did colonel show volunteer his regiment to lead the attack on fort Wagner?

As a guess, he knew no other commander would volunteer for something that would be a complete slaughter. And, perhaps, as the Colonel of a black regiment, he knew if he didn't volunteer his men, they would be ordered to do it.


Why did colonel shaw decide to take the colonelcy of the 54th Massachusetts when he knew that it would probably lead him to his death?

orders


What was the result of the assault on fort Wagner by the African American soldiers of the unions 54 Massachusetts regiment?

Summary of the action-Forces Engaged: 6,800 total (US 5,000; CS 1,800) Estimated Casualties: 1,689 total (US 1,515; CS 174) Description: After the July 11 assault on Fort Wagner failed, Gillmore reinforced his beachhead on Morris Island. At dusk July 18, Gillmore launched an attack spearheaded by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a black regiment. The unit’s colonel, Robert Gould Shaw, was killed. Members of the brigade scaled the parapet but after brutal hand-to-hand combat were driven out with heavy casualties. The Federals resorted to siege operations to reduce the fort. This was the fourth time in the war that black troops played a crucial combat role, proving to skeptics that they would fight bravely if only given the chance. Result(s):Confederate victory273 members of the 54th died in the failed attack on Ft, Wagner.


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Why did colonel show volunteer his regiment to lead the attack on fort Wagner?

As a guess, he knew no other commander would volunteer for something that would be a complete slaughter. And, perhaps, as the Colonel of a black regiment, he knew if he didn't volunteer his men, they would be ordered to do it.


Why did colonel shaw decide to take the colonelcy of the 54th Massachusetts when he knew that it would probably lead him to his death?

orders


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