The Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Regiment was the first all African American infantry group enlisted into combat during the Civil War. Before 1863 black men were not allowed to enlist in the United States military. Although after the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln granting African American men to join the Union forces thousands of black men came to the North ready of battle. The acceptance of black soldiers was very controversial, and caused many white northerners to question the capabilities of black soldiers. State governor John A. Andrew supported the idea of African American soldiers and appointed Robert Gould Shaw to lead the first official organised regiment of black soldiers. These men would later become a model for future black regiment and racial justice in the military. The Soldiers of the …show more content…
When recruiting men Frederick Douglass said, "There are weak and cowardly men … They tell you this is the `white man's war' ...Believe them not; cowards themselves, they do not wish to [be] … shamed by your brave example" (B) These black soldiers were fighting for more than to preserve the Union. “They were fighting to liberate their people” (F) The 54th Regiment is most remembered for their battle at Fort Wagner on June 18, 1863 on the shore of Charlestown, North Carolina. Shaw was prepared to lead his men into battle and prove their combat capabilities. Although “in the ... assault … the 54th suffered very heavy losses, most notably the loss of their commander [Robert Gould Shaw] , and nearly half of the men present were killed, wounded, or missing.” (E) Despite the regiment being severely outnumbered they bravely charged the fort and fought tirelessly. Although a loss the 54th Regiment was able to show how fiercely black soldiers could fight and prove their bravery in