As extra credit for this class, you may review one or more of the following films on the US Civil War:
Glory
Gettysburg
Cold Mountain
The Confederate States of America
Gods and Generals
Summarize the plot of the film in 150 words or more. Then, explain how the film relates to class and evaluate it's historical accuracy. Finally, give your opinion on wether or not this is a "must see" for students of US history. The review must be a total of at least 250 word and may be posted on a blog, submitted on paper or take another creative/ visual format (video, poster, powerpoint, etc.)
Due Monday, January 20 (Yes, I know we have off in observence of MLK day, but by then.)
5 comments:
Glory is a movie based on the life of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the events that occurred during the Civil War regarding the 54TH Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Matthew Broderick plays Robert Shaw, a Colonel who was the son of abolitionists and began to fight in the Civil War at the age of 23. Born in Boston to a wealthy family Shaw and his family were strongly rooted in the elimination of slavery (they even moved to Staten Island =] living among people who shared their beliefs). The movie starts out with Battle of Antietam which as learned in class, was a major battle in the American Civil War. George B. McClellan of the Union devised an attack against General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army and thus resulted in a victory for the North. The Battle of Antietam is known as the bloodiest battle to have been fought on American soil, as it resulted in the most casualties in one day during America’s history. After the scene of Battle of Antietam is shown, there is talk about Lincoln’s Emancipation of Proclamation in which Lincoln declared that he would free slaves in areas of rebellion against the U.S. When Robert walks into a meeting he meets a man who is known as Fredrick Douglass who speaks on how the Union is enlisting colored soldiers to fight in the war. It is later mentioned to Shaw that he has been recruited to train the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, a regiment of black men who are instructed on how to fight in war. Robert Shaw is a little skeptical about the job, but he later affirms himself that he is capable of training Negroes into army men. When the black men arrive at the training base they began to chat with each other (Denzel Washington comes in woo!!) about how serving in the army is a great privilege. Over the course of time the black men are trained, there is much discipline and chastisement for those who do wrong. In one scene Private Trip (played by Denzel Washington) is flogged for a misdemeanor act. Segregation is also portrayed in this movie as seen in the part where the blacks receive their pay. While whites were given $13 for their work blacks received $10. Private Trip announces to the other blacks that it isn’t fair that the white men acquire more pay for doing the same work that the blacks do and the blacks rip up their pay. Robert Shaw realizes that what the blacks were doing was right, and he states “if you men will not take your pay, then none of us will”, thus indicating it was unjust for whites to receive a higher pay because of color difference. People in the Northern communities began to celebrate the 54th Massachusetts Infantry as they marched throughout the towns. A sense of nationalism and pride filled many African Americans as they viewed the blacks in the regiment making one of their first marks in improving American history as well as culture. Afterwards, a man by the name of Edward Pierce from Harper’s Weekly speaks to Col. Shaw about the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and how many people are interested in reading about how well the blacks are participating are in war. As learned in the previous blog, Harper’s Weekly was a famous newspaper that spread information about America’s current events to many in both the North and South. When the blacks were given the option of staying in the war or going home, the majority of them choose to stay because they felt it was an honor to serve in the Union Army. At James Island in South Carolina during the July of 1863 the Regiment burned down houses and carried out other actions that were ordered to them. The 54th Regiment gained much from their training including the proper use weapons, how to survive in a camp base, and most significantly how to fight as a hero. Nearing Morris Island, Shaw points out to his men the dangerous actions occurring at the nearby Ft. Wagner. The 54th Regiment request that they want the honor of leading the attack on Ft. Wagner and they are granted their wish. The night before the men are sent to Ft. Wagner’s battlegrounds they sing and talk about how it is an honor to have been apart of such a respectable group of people. In one scene Private Trip says that he never had a family until he came to the 54th Regiment and he felt much love from all the men. Like many black men in the Infantry, the 54th Regiment was a way of escape from life back home. Blacks didn’t really have much to look forward to back at home, so being in the war made them feel unique and gave them a sense of being capable for achieving something great. The next day the Regiment marched to the battlegrounds at Ft. Wagner, Shaw lead his troops and demanded that they use all their strength to fight for the Union. At Fort Wagner the Regiment was met with explosives from cannons and many of their men fell. Still Shaw didn’t give up on his men as they progressed and used their training techniques to go against their enemies. Shots fired from each side, and the South’s strategy of guerilla warfare overpowered the 54th Regiment’s techniques. Shaw and his troops fought till the end and although Robert died with over half of his men, the Regiment demonstrated that blacks were capable of fighting in war and serving their country. The story of Robert Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry illustrates one of the marks that African Americans made during the history of the United States, and how a group of black men served in the Union Army all for “Glory”.
This story isn’t a must see story for students in American History, but it is definitely a movie worth watching. Demonstrating how blacks gained the right to fight in America is what the movie is basically about, and if students are interested in this topic, then Glory is the right film to see. It was actually motivating to see the history of African Americans in this movie and it reminded me of one of the Seminar questions that read, “Consider what you know about the experiences of African Americans during the Reconstruction and up to the Civil War movement. To what extent did emancipation improve the lives of Black Americans in the north and south?” This movie truly answers that question as it shows how African American were able to participate in war causes. This was just one of the many achievements that Blacks had in American history, and present-day America shows how far Blacks have come with the inauguration of Barak Obama in one day. =) Emancipation has gone to an enormous extent because Blacks now have the rights to integration, more opportunities, and most of all freedom.
By:Racquel Wood
Edward Zwick’s Glory is an inspirational film that reveals a great deal about the American Civil War. The film revolves around the history of the 54th regiment from the Massachusetts Volunteer infantry. Despite their brave efforts for the Union, the participation of white soldiers that fought for the Union seems to overshadow the efforts of African American soldiers, who are not credited as much. Thanks to films such as Glory, the sacrifices, and struggles of Afro-Americans during the war is made known. The adversity these individuals, especially first black regiment of the Civil War, faced are also exposed. With a talented cast that includes Mathew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freemen, and other skilled actors, Glory illustrates the remarkable story of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, and the 54th Regiment.
The story begins by describing the general conflict occurring around the nations and the decisions related to these conflicts; specifically, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the battle of Antietam, which was accurately portrayed as a bloody and intensely violent battle. Later the life of the aforesaid Colonel is described. Shaw, who is raised by abolitionist parents fight for the Union in his early twenties. Shaw’s family is wealthy, the members move to New York in order to live among other abolitionists. Shaw meets Frederick Douglass who informs him regarding the recruit of an all black regiment which needed his, Shaw’s, training. Shaw doesn’t completely agree with Douglass’s demands, but later changes his attitude towards training colored soldiers. The black recruits are honored to serve the army and be national heroes.
Regardless their optimistic perceptions, training is made intensely challenging, on occasions the recruits receive floggings. The recruits are severely shaped into tough, obedient, and, most importantly, strong men. Furthermore, the hopes of these recruits, for the 54th regiment, are shattered when they receive surprisingly low wages, and the most humiliating tasks. Although, a great of northerners share abolitionist beliefs, segregation still appears to limit the existence of the recruits. Colonel Shaw acknowledges their discontent toward the lower pay despite their dedicated efforts to the Union Army. Nevertheless, the recruits remain in the regiment and are rewarded with cheers as they march through towns in the Northern cities.
The recruits gather a large amount of attention from the media and the public. Their successful battles, in Charleston South Carolina, leading the attack on Fort Wagner were a cause of this attention. Eventually the recruits develop a unique family-like relationship. Among these recruits, Private Trip, played by Denzel Washington, acts as the heart of the regiment’s fighting, while John Rawlins, acted by Morgan Freemen, acts as the brains of the fighting. Even though casualties were depressing, the regiment was effectively trained to continue fighting; Shaw’s statements also contributed to their on-going attacks. Shaw’s training was clearly helpful in the fighting,. Unfortunately, Shaw, along with several of the recruits, perish during the attack on Fort Wagner. The 54th regiment establish a legacy after the fighting, proving that African Americans were capable of serving their nation.
The acting by Washington, Freemen, and Broderick were exceptional. For the most part, Zwick accurately represents the Civil War atmosphere, even considering the minor details, like the clothing of the recruits. The discrimination, racism, and unequal treatment black soldier received is also precisely portrayed. However, there are certain historical errors; the films states that a large number of recruits were ex-slaves, while in reality, only one member of the 54th regiment was born a slave, the rest were freemen. Showing the events through Shaw’s perspective was also a damage to the film’s quality. Since the story, was meant to highlight the struggle of African American soldiers, it would have been wiser to make some of the recruits main character so viewers could understand their experience. Presenting the plot in an omniscient view would also have improved the film. There are other minor inaccuracies in Glory, which are unimportant and do not exaggerate the Civil War.
Even though Glory, the winner of seven film awards, contained incorrect information, it was highly informative and entertaining. Glory revealed the significance of African American Soldiers and their equality to white soldiers, proven by their sacrificial fighting. Glory is an intriguing film, especially for viewers who love war movies. Moreover, the film is touching and uniquely represents the intensity of the Civil War. On a scale of one to ten, Glory is a solid 9.
Edward Wick’s, Glory, tells viewers little know facts about the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts. The 54th Regiment Volunteer Infantry was mainly made up of black men and some free Northern blacks, others had escaped from the South. Throughout the movie, men became better trained for battle only to contradict this by make the northern intentions was to amuse the abolitionists. They also attempted to destroy southern towns and receive profit off the goods. The film mainly focuses on the camaraderie of soldiers and shows how brave and courageous they truly are. The men of the 54th Regiment knew that they had to prove themselves to the North, but unfortunately ended up dieing proving that heroes come in all colors.
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw was the son of abolitionist parents. Colonel Shaw lead the 54th Regiment and was already aware that his men might not have been able to even see the battle. Taking a stern approach with the soldiers, Shaw trained them and insisted that his majors discipline the soldiers. This discipline was used to emphasize the importance of endurance during battle. Wick’s view of Shaw and his soldiers was a master/slave perspective. The men fighting in the 54th Regiment were a from a variety of different backgrounds. John Rawlins was a stubborn solider who was later mad Sergeant Major by Shaw. Hover, Rawlins made sure it a priority his voice was heard when he discovered black soldiers would not be receiving the same $13 monthly wage as the whites. This brought white and black soldiers together to become in alliance and strengthened themselves emotionally for battle. Camaraderie was shown both on and off the battle field.
Glory is an intriguing film that brings history of the Civil War to real life. The soldiers in the movie had good strategy and planning out connections. The main focus interprets to me as attitudes towards blacks between North and South has not changed very much. The movie makes it perfectly clear that that they were still considered unequal. The men of the 54th Regiment changed this view around.
Racquel, I agree 100%, motivating is definitely one perfect word to describe Glory!
Glory directed by Edward Zwick, was produced in 1989. The movie based on the letters of General Robert G. Shaw who is played by Matthew Broderick. Glory revolves around the events of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the first official black Union army troops during the American Civil War.
The movie begins with the Battle of Antietam. Shaw's troops are nearly destroyed, and despite Shaw's loss, Shaw is appointed the commander of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
As we learned in class the Battle of Antietam, is the bloodiest battle fought on American soil. The Union won the battle.
General Shaw meets with Frederick Douglas, meeting on how black men are being registered to fight for the Union Army. It is now when we fin out that at first Shaw was hesitant about leading the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, but felt that if the men were trained that he could handle it.
Private Trip, played by Denzel Washington, a negro soldier, is flogged, or whipped, for one of his actions. Historically this is inaccurate since flogging was eliminated from Union troops in 1861 by all Union soldiers, Trip is flogged for a small act.
During one scene, Trip and Shaw are talking about the war. Trip claims that the war will continue on forever, and that the blacks go home to nothing, they have no home, while the white men go home to their big houses and all. Shaw tells Private Trip, "ell, you won't get anything if we lose. " Shaw wasn't fighting to fight anymore. Shaw was fighting for the negroes freedom.
The movie closes with the burial of Shaw and Trip at Fort Wagner, which at this point was still occupied by the Confederates.
Glory is definitely a must see film. As Racquel said, Glory depicts one of the many achievements of the African-Americans on their way to freedom.
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