Robert Gould Shaw

Paper Summary:

The paper describes the early life of Robert Shaw and his appointment as Colonel of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. The paper paints a picture of how Robert bravely died while leading his regiment in battle against the Confederate rebels. The paper discusses how despite its minor contribution to the overall outcome of the Civil War, the 54th regiment contributed a lot to the survival of the Union and the abolition of slavery.

From the Paper:

"Robert Gould Shaw's biographer describes him as "an ordinary soldier" but "an extraordinary leader," the best that America could be. He led the colored 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, which launched a deathly attack on Fort Wagner, a Confederate base. This Regiment was an experimental unit intended to test the capabilities of Black officers and enlisted soldiers. Shaw proved his courage not only in the face of death but also to ridicule by his peers. He may not be as prominent as founding fathers or major thinkers but he has his concrete place in American history."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adler, John, ed. 2005. The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson. Harper's Weekly: Harp Week, LLC
• Dhalle, Kathy. 1997. a Biography of Robert Gould Shaw. The American Civil War History Special Interest Group: Bits of Blue and Gray. http://www.bitsofblueandgray.com/june2003.htm
• Hickman, Kennedy. 2007. Civil War: Robert Gould Shaw. Military History. About.com: The New York Times Company http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/1800armybiographies/p/rgshaw.htm?p=1 (accessed December 2, 2007)
• Holmes, James. 2004. Union Col. Robert Shaw Exemplified Best of America. Athens Banner-Herald: Online Athens Banner-Herald. http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/071804/opi_2004718048.shtml
• Interactive State House. 2007. 54th Regiment. Mass.gov: Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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