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The 54th Massachusetts Regiment was the first regiment with all African American (free) soldiers in the Civil War. They fought to protect the Union of the United States with the same bravery as any other soldier. The 54th deserves the recognition for their bravery, strength, and cause that they fought for.

Summary: The 54th Massachusetts infantry regiment is the most famous African American group of soldiers in American history. The 54th was organized in March of 1863; the first regiment of African Americans to be commissioned in the Northern states during the Civil War. After undergoing proper training, the 54th was lead by Colonel Robert Shaw (White), and they were moved to the Department of the South. The 54th fought in the battle of the Battery Wagner, which, although was a failed assault, proved to earn the 54th the most fame out of all the battles in which they participated. In addition to fighting a series of smaller battles, the 54th provided support in the siege of Charleston, the Florida campaign, and the battle of Olustee. The 54th Massachusetts infantry regiment also served the Union army as a rearguard, at times, which some believe kept the army from being destroyed. The 54th showed bravery and valor during the Civil War that none expected.

The 54th Massachusetts infantry regiment fought through many hardships, aside from the war itself such as low supplies and illness. During the assault on Battery Wagner, the 54th’s leader, Colonel Shaw, was killed and then replaced by Colonel E. N. Hallowell. In addition to the loss of their first leader, the 54th also suffered multiple casualties. In the battle of the Battery Wagner, approximately two hundred men were killed, the largest amount of casualties during the Civil War received by the 54th. Also, the 54th infantry were paid less then white soldiers, which was not uncommon during the time. Congress later remedied this. At the end of the war, in 1865, the 54th Massachusetts infantry was disbanded.

Relating to liberty and equality: The 54th is a symbol of a kind of liberty. They showed that people have the freedom that, if one so chooses, one can serve in the military to protect one’s home. The 54th represents the freedom to choose and decide. The 54th chose to fight the Confederates to defend their country and to show that they are equal like other men, through war. These free blacks were given a choice and they chose to defend their country, over letting others defend their home.

The 54th is a symbol of equality also. The 54th Massachusetts infantry proved that the color of one’s skin does not show the quality of one’s fighting or spirit. In other words, soldiers of all races fight the same when under the same circumstances. The 54th were paid less and were treated with less respect because they were thought to be inferior troops to white soldiers. The 54th proved those expectations wrong. Eventually, the 54th were given pay equal to white soldiers and had the same respect as white soldiers. This further proves that all people are equal. Click here for the commercial.