54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment

The 54th Massachusetts was the second African-American regiment in the U.S. military. Content related to Sgt. William Carney, a member of the 54th Massachusetts who was awarded the Medal of Honor, was removed from DoD websites in accordance with a purge of all diversity related content.

Materials

• Glory (1898 movie)

• History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (1891 book)

Assignment

Two ways to learn about the 54th Massachusetts are given above. The movie is very popular and culminates in the Second Battle of Fort Wagner. Select at least one of the sources given above, or an alternative source. On the social media platform of your choice, make a post or series of posts answering the following questions:

1. What are your overall impressions from the stories? What sticks with you the most strongly?

2. What did or did not change in the attitudes towards the 54th Massachusetts and the Red Tails? Would you have expected more changes in the intervening 80 years?

3. The 54th Massachusetts took the lead at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner despite knowing they would suffer heavy casualties. Discuss the importance of this action despite the odds against tactical success for the 54th.