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54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment Essay

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The importance of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment allowed African Americans to fight in the war without being discriminated based the color of their skin. This volunteer regiment was the first black unit in the U.S. armed forces to show that African Americans were competent as white men and deserve equal treatment. The regiment promoted the idea of racial equality and African Americans taking part in the Civil War. These men willingly volunteered, fought and sacrificed everything to deliver freedom and liberty for all men. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was one of the first “all-black” units in the United States during Civil War that was formed in February of 1863 (History.com Staff). This was established by John …show more content…

For the people who were against slavery, they wanted for all men to be treated equally and have freedom. During the war, African Americans could not fight for this cause due to individuals who discriminated them based on the color of their skin. Until January of 1863, President Lincoln signed and put the Emancipation Proclamation into order. This order stated “that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states, are, and henceforward shall be free” (National Archives). This order freed a few people but naturally the states in rebellion did not act on President Lincoln's orders. The Emancipation Proclamation stated “Such persons of suitable conditions, will be received into the armed forces of the United States” (National Archives). The passing of this order allowed more African Americans to fight for their freedom in the Civil …show more content…

After the Civil War, the regiment helped African Americans create a more positive reputation for themselves as a whole. This also helped African Americans gain more rights and freedom. Some credit can be given to this group for the law being passed allowing African American males the right to vote. A few years later, in 1869, this was written in the constitution and would allow African Americans who fought for their country to take a part in running the country they fought so hard for. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry proved that African Americans were just as worthy of freedom and citizenship as anyone

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