Download Glory Movie Guide and Assignment Important People Colonel

Glory Movie Guide and Assignment
Important People
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw- Union officer, appointed commander of the first all African American regiment,
54th Massachusetts
Major Cabot Forbes- Shaw’s childhood friend, appointed as Shaw’s executive officer (2nd in command)
Thomas Searles- 1st volunteer for the 54th, a well educated free black man from the north
Private Trip- escaped slave, volunteers for the 54th
Sergeant Major John Rawlins- former grave digger for the Northern Army, volunteers for the 54th for battle
Private Jupiter Sharts- uneducated former slave, wants to learn to read
Sergeant Major Mulcahy- Irish immigrant in charge of properly training the 54th for battle
Important Facts, Terms and Events
Civil War- 1861-1865, 11 southern states secede from the country, Union President Abraham Lincoln wages
war to preserve the Union.
Battle of Antietam- September 17, 1862 Bloodiest one day battle in US History, Confederate General Robert E.
Lee’s advance to Washington D.C. is halted
Emancipation Proclamation- January 1, 1863 After the Union victory at Antietam, Lincoln issues Proclamation
that frees slaves in the Confederacy. While he has no power to enforce the law, it changes the focus of the war
to ending slavery. It also encourages former slaves and free blacks to enlist in the Union Army.
Federal Law of 1792- Bans African Americans from joining the Army even though some had fought bravely in
the American Revolution.
54th Massachusetts- January 26, 1863 Secretary of War authorizes the enlistment of African American soldiers
Confederate Proclamation- Any African American soldier captured while fighting for the North would be shot
or returned to slavery. Any white officers in command of black soldiers would be shot.
Civil War wages- White soldiers were paid $13/month. Black soldiers were paid $10/month with another
$3/month deducted for clothing allowance, bringing pay down to $7/month. White soldiers did not have
clothing deduction.
Equal Pay Act- 1864 Law passed by Congress making wages equal regardless of color, it was retroactive.
1st Union Conscription- March 3, 1863 The Union Army is having difficulty maintaining numbers, 1st draft is
used and it is mandatory for men between the ages 20-45. “Replacement” can be bought for $300; many feel
this is a rich man’s war fought by the poor.
New York Draft Riots- July 13-16 1863 In response to the draft, deadly riots break out in New York City; anger
is targeted towards African Americans.
Charge on Fort Wagner- July 18, 1863 The 54th Massachusetts assault on the Fort in South Carolina
180,000- The number of African American soldiers that served in the Union Army, making up 10% of the
Union force.
40,000 will die during the course of the War, 30,000 from disease/infection
16- The number of African American soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor, the government’s highest military
award
Glory Movie Assignment
Think about the following questions as you watch the movie “Glory” and take notes on your responses.
After the movie is over I will give you 10-15 minutes to write your answers, in complete sentences, on a
separate piece of paper.
1. We know that Antietam was the bloodiest day in American history. Describe the
aftermath of this battle based on what Shaw saw and felt.
2. Describe the scene at the party in the Governor’s office. What famous American is
there? What happens to Shaw during this scene?
3. Describe the variety of background of the new African-American soldiers that meet in
the tent.
4. At one point, Shaw addresses the soldiers and announces a piece of legislation of the
Confederate Congress. What does this legislation say can happen to the AfricanAmerican soldiers and their white officers if they are caught by Confederate soldiers?
5. Why do you think Major Cabot Forbes (who is also an officer) protests against the use of the
whip for punishing the alleged deserter (Private Trip?) Common punishment for
desertion (leaving the military camp) was to be flogged, or hit, but not necessarily with a
whip. What is it about the whip that is particularly bothersome?
6. Why do you think Col. Shaw decides to tear up his paycheck like the soldiers were
doing?
7. Why do you think Col. Shaw asked that his regiment be the one to lead the assault on
Ft. Wagner?
8. What did the soldiers do the night before the battle?
9. Did the Massachusetts 54th Regiment eventually earn the respect of the other Union
soldiers and officers? Think about the scene as they march toward Ft. Wagner.
Glory Movie Assignment
Think about the following questions as you watch the movie “Glory.” Answer the questions in complete
sentences on a separate piece of paper once the movie is over.
1. Why did Robert Shaw’s father, who was an abolitionist, want the 54th regiment to be formed?
2. Why did Robert Shaw want to lead the 54th regiment into battle? Was it simply to help the Union win, or
were there other reasons? What were those reasons?
3. What motivated the African American soldiers to fight? Were they fighting for freedom or glory or both?
Explain your reasoning.
4. Do you think the Union Army was racist? Why or why not? Be specific.
5. What was the outcome of the 54th regiment’s charge on Fort Wagner? What was the director of the film
attempting to communicate in the last scene of the movie?