0
What else can I help you with?
How did the 54th Massachusetts regiment get their name?
The name wasn't made especially for them, they were one of many regiments that came from Massachusetts. there was a 53, 52, 51, 50 etc. regiment.
Who was the 54 Massachusetts regiment?
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment consisted of African American volunteers, many of them former slaves, initially commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.
How many men were in the infantry of the 54th regiment?
All Civil War regiments had 1,000 men at full strength. There were ten companies in a regiment, each with one hundred men. Most had this many when they started out, but rarely had anything like this many after a few months service. Disease and battle losses were hard to make up. Both sides continued to create new regiments instead of trying to keep existing regiments up to strength. There are about 1,100 men who are recorded as having served with the 54th Massachusetts, as apparently Massachusetts made some effort to forward some replacements.
What was one of the states with the first black regiments?
Rohde Island was the first state to have an African American regiment in 1778
What ultimately happened to the Massachusetts 54th during the civil war?
The 54th Massachusetts continued to serve in the Union forces after the unsuccessful attack on Fort Wagner, which was the climactic scenes of the movie "Glory". That attack was July 18, 1863, and the regiment lost 116 killed, including Colonel Shaw, and another 156 wounded or captured. The Union forces gave up on that attempt to capture Charleston after Fort Wagner.The 54th Massachusetts was part of an expedition to Florida. The regiment fought a rear-guard action during the Battle of Olusteee, or Ocean Pond, February 20, 1864, which was the largest battle of the war in Florida, and the second biggest for the regiment. The regiment was then involved in a supporting mission which was supposed to cut a railroad, in support of Sherman's March to the Sea, and was in a small battle at Honey Hill in Georgia, in November 1864. The regiment's final action was a small battle at Boykin's Mill in South Carolina, in mid April 1865.By August 20, 1865, the members of the regiment were discharged and the regiment disbanded.The Federal government continued to award the Medal of Honor for many years after the war for Civil War valor. More than half of Civil War awards of the Medal came more than twenty years after the war. William Harvey Carney of the 54th Massachusetts was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900, for his actions on July 18, 1863 against Fort Wagner. He picked up the regiment's colors after the color bearer fell, and carried them up the breastworks of the Fort and back down. He had planted the flag on the top of the breastworks and held it, though wounded, while the troops attacked. When they had to retreat he carried the colors away, though wounded two more times. He then turned the flag over to another survivor, and said "Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground." Carney was the 21st African-American to receive the Medal, but the action during which he earned it was the earliest. He lived until 1908.
What was the 54th Massachusetts?
On the Union Army was the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the first official black unit that was commanded by white officers. This Infantry Regiment led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw made history fighting very hard in the failed attempt to capture Fort Wagner, where Shaw and more than half of the Regiment died. This heroic feat triggered the recruitment of many black soldiers into the Union Army, which was an important step forward in their integration.Contrary to popular belief, the 54th Massachusetts was not the first Negro regiment that fought in the US Civil War. They are predated by others, including the very first African American regiment, the 1st Louisiana Native Guard. They mustered into Federal service in September 1862. The 54th would not enter until May 1863.
How does the attitude of white combat troops change towards the 54th regiment?
The attitude of white combat troops towards the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, an all-Black unit during the Civil War, shifted significantly over time. Initially met with skepticism and prejudice, many white soldiers doubted the capabilities of Black troops. However, after witnessing their bravery and effectiveness in battle, particularly during the assault on Fort Wagner, attitudes began to change, leading to increased respect and recognition of their contributions. This shift reflected a broader change in perceptions of African Americans' roles in the military and society.
Who created the 54th regiment of Massachusetts?
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was created by the US War Department, upon request from the Governor of the state to form such a unit.Additional information:The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment that saw extensive federal service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was one of the first official black units in the United States armed forces. An earlier regiment of Black freedmen, the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, had fought alongside George Washington in the Revolutionary War.The regiment was authorized in March 1863 by the Governor of Massachusetts, John A Andrew. Commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, it sprang to life after the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation. Secretary of War Edwin M Stanton decided white officers would be in charge of all "colored" units. Colonel Shaw was hand picked by Governor John Andrew. Governor Andrew also selected Norwood Penrose "Pen" Hallowell as the unit's second in command, a rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Like many officers of regiments of African-American troops, both Shaw and Hallowell were promoted several grades, both being captains at the time. The rest of the officers were evaluated by Shaw and Hallowell. Many of these officers were of abolitionist families and several were chosen by Governor Andrew himself. Lt. Col. Norwood Hallowell was joined by his younger brother Edward Needles Hallowell who was eventually appointed major in the regiment and would later command it after Shaw's death. Twenty-four of the twenty-nine officers were veterans but only six had been previously commissioned.At the Battle of Fort Wagner, the 54th showed valor in a losing cause.
Why do you think the colonel said that the men of the 54th were better than the white soldiers?
The colonel likely believed that the men of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment showed exceptional bravery and resilience in the face of prejudice and adversity, proving their worth as soldiers. Their determination to fight for their freedom and rights, despite societal discrimination, demonstrated a level of commitment and valor that surpassed that of many white soldiers. Additionally, their successful performance in battle challenged prevailing stereotypes and highlighted their capability and loyalty.
Who won the battle fort Wagner?
i believe the main event of the battle of fort of battery wgner was the 54th Massachusetts voluntary infantry, an all black regiment attacking the confederates. Even the the regiment did lose many men during the battle they fought hard with hand to hand combat with the Confederates. The regiment lost 25% of it's men including its commanding officer General Robert gould Shaw.
How many of Douglass sons join the first black regiment?
Frederick Douglass's two sons, Lewis and Charles, joined the first black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, during the Civil War. Their enlistment was a significant act of courage and commitment to the fight for freedom and equality. Douglass was a strong advocate for African American soldiers, believing their service would help prove their rights as citizens.
What attitudes did white soldiers have about the 54th did these attitudes change and why?
White soldiers initially held mixed attitudes toward the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, often viewing African American soldiers with skepticism regarding their combat abilities and loyalty. However, after the 54th's courageous performance at the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863, many white soldiers began to recognize their bravery and capability. This shift in perception was fueled by the 54th’s willingness to fight for freedom and equality, which helped challenge prevailing racial stereotypes and contributed to a gradual change in attitudes towards Black soldiers in the Union Army. Ultimately, their valor helped pave the way for the acceptance of Black troops in larger numbers throughout the war.
