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What kind of troops formed the 54th Massachusetts Regiment?
The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was the first military unit consisting of black soldiers to be raised in the North during the Civil War. Prior to 1863, no concerted effort was made to recruit black troops as Union soldiers.
What was the purpose of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment?
The 54th Massachusetts Regiment not only fought the Confederates in the field, they also took up the call for equal pay and fought against discrimination from the U.S. government.
Why was the 54th Regiment important?
54th Regiment, in full Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts infantry unit made up of African Americans that was active during the American Civil War (1861–65). The 54th Regiment became famous for its fighting prowess and for the great courage of its members.
What significant role did the 54th Regiment play in the history of the United States?
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was one of the first official black units in the U.S. armed forces. Their courageous assault on Fort Wagner played a key role in bringing about an end to slavery.
Who started the Massachusetts 54th Regiment?
Robert Shaw Chosen to Lead 54th Massachusetts Infantry To lead the 54th Massachusetts, Governor Andrew chose a young white officer named Robert Gould Shaw. Shaw’s parents were wealthy and prominent abolitionist activists.
Who helped create the 54th Regiment?
Massachusetts Governor John Albion Andrew, who had long pressured the U.S. Department of War to begin recruiting African-Americans, placed a high priority on the formation of the 54th Massachusetts. Andrew appointed Robert Gould Shaw, the son of Boston abolitionists, to command the regiment as Colonel.
What is the 54th Regiment?
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment is best known for its service leading the failed Union assault on Battery Wagner, a Confederate earthwork fortification on Morris Island, on July 18, 1863. This was one of the first major actions in which African American soldiers fought for the Union in the American Civil War.
Who was in the 54 Massachusetts Regiment?
The abolitionist governor of Massachusetts, John Andrew, assembled the 54th Regiment in early 1863 after receiving authorization to do so from U.S. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton .
What happened to the 54th Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts 54th Regiment became famous and solidified their place in history following the attack on Fort Wagner , South Carolina on July 18, 1863. At least 74 enlisted men and 3 officers were killed in that battle, and scores more were wounded. Colonel Shaw was one of those killed.