Glory: The Enduring Legacy of Black Soldiers in the Civil War
Historical Significance of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
Glory, a critically acclaimed Civil War movie released in 1989, tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first all-Black regiment raised in the North. The film depicts their struggles and triumphs, highlighting the crucial role that Black troops played in the Union army’s fight against slavery.
Despite its middling box office success, Glory has become a staple of high school history classes and is now streaming on Netflix. This renewed interest comes at a time when the nation is grappling with issues of racial injustice and the legacy of slavery.
The Challenges Faced by Black Soldiers
Black soldiers faced unique challenges during the Civil War, including racial discrimination and prejudice. Glory portrays some of these challenges, such as the scene where Trip, an escaped slave, is whipped by an Irish drill sergeant.
However, the film also takes some creative liberties, such as depicting the regiment as primarily made up of formerly enslaved men. In reality, the 54th Massachusetts was composed mainly of free Black men born in Northern states.
The Union Army’s Role in Emancipation
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were free. This proclamation authorized the recruitment of Black troops into the Union army, including the 54th Massachusetts.
Glory highlights the role that Black soldiers played in helping to secure Union victory and end slavery. Colonel Robert G. Shaw, the regiment’s commander, is portrayed as a complex character who initially harbored racial prejudices but eventually came to respect and admire his men.
The Legacy of Confederate Monuments
After the Civil War, Confederate monuments were erected throughout the South and beyond. These monuments often celebrated the Confederacy’s “Lost Cause” narrative, which denied that slavery was the primary cause of the war.
Glory serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes of the Civil War for Black Americans. The film challenges the myth of the “noble” Confederate soldier and exposes the horrors of slavery and racial violence.
The Enduring Relevance of Glory
Glory continues to resonate with audiences today, as it sheds light on the struggles and sacrifices of Black soldiers during the Civil War. The film’s portrayal of racial discrimination and the fight for freedom is particularly relevant to modern-day discussions about racial justice.
Glory also demonstrates the importance of acknowledging and commemorating the contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s history. The removal of Confederate monuments and the creation of memorials to Black soldiers are steps towards a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the past.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Monument to the 54th Massachusetts
In 1897, sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens unveiled a beautiful monument to the 54th Massachusetts across from the Massachusetts State House in Boston. This relief sculpture captures the regiment’s march through Boston, symbolizing their courage and determination.
The monument served as one of the few public reminders of the service of Black soldiers during the Civil War until the 1990s. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of the fight for racial equality and the enduring legacy of Glory.