The Historical Significance of Black Soldiers in the Union Army: Understanding the Context and Reasoning in 'Glory'

One historical regiment, often featured in the movie Glory, was the The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This regiment played a crucial role in the history of the Union army during the Civil War. However, it is important to understand the historical context and the reasoning behind the inclusion of black soldiers in the Union army. This article will explore this topic and delve into the broader significance of black soldiers in the Union army as depicted in the movie Glory.

The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment

The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also known as the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry, was one of the most significant black regiments to serve in the Union army. The regiment was established in the fall of 1862 in Topeka, Kansas, after Kansas governor Thomas Carney issued a call for volunteers on August 1, 1862. The regiment was composed of African-American soldiers and a few white officers who had a deep commitment to the abolitionist cause.

The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment was the first such regiment to be mustered into federal service. They saw their first major engagement on June 2, 1863, in the Battle of Honey Springs. This battle was significant as it was the first victory for a black regiment over a significant Confederate force.

The Role of Black Soldiers in the Civil War

The decision to allow black soldiers in the Union army was influenced by several factors, including the Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln's strategic reasoning. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free, and those who were free would be eligible for recruitment into the Union army. This document not only served a humanitarian purpose but also a strategic one, as it aimed to weaken the Confederate war effort by turning their own slave population against them.

Lincoln's Strategic Reasoning

President Abraham Lincoln had a complex yet clear reasoning behind the integration of black soldiers into the Union army. He believed that the larger goal of the Civil War was to preserve the Union and to put an end to the institution of slavery. By allowing black soldiers, Lincoln was pursuing both of these objectives. He saw the enlistment of black soldiers as a means to weaken the Confederacy by both removing them from the ranks of the Southern armies and by offering a path to freedom for those who served.

Additionally, this move also helped to shift the narrative of the war. It transformed the conflict from a battle over states' rights to a struggle against slavery, which further rallied public support. Lincoln recognized that the potential for black soldiers to fight and die for freedom could have profound psychological and moral impacts on both the Northern and Southern populations.

The Impact of Black Soldiers in the Union Army

The purpose of including black soldiers in the Union army was not just to provide manpower but also to send a powerful message. The enlistment and recruitment of black soldiers demonstrated the Union's commitment to the abolition of slavery and to the ideals of liberty and equality. This was particularly important as the war progressed and the abolitionist sentiment among the Northern population grew stronger.

The psychological impact of black soldiers in battle was significant. For the Confederacy, the presence of black soldiers in the Union ranks was both a tactical and psychological challenge. It undermined the Southern narrative that their slaves were content and loyal to their masters. Additionally, the actions of black soldiers in battle helped to further the cause of abolition, as their bravery and sacrifices became part of the public discourse.

The Movie 'Glory' and its Relevance

The movie Glory, based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, is a poignant and historically significant film that captures the essence of black soldiers' experiences during the Civil War. The 54th Massachusetts was one of the first black regiments to be organized in the North and its journey is a powerful testament to the determination and courage of its members.

The film highlights the internal and external challenges faced by black soldiers, including discrimination within the Union army and the societal resistance they faced from both soldiers and civilians. Like the First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the 54th Massachusetts demonstrated the bravery and dedication of black soldiers, proving that the color of one's skin did not determine the ability to serve and fight for a cause.

The inclusion of black soldiers in the Union army during the Civil War was a pivotal moment in American history. It not only played a critical role in the outcome of the war but also had a lasting impact on the country's social and political landscape. The decision to allow black soldiers was part of a broader effort to end slavery and to secure the principles of freedom and equality for all Americans.

In conclusion, the historical significance of black soldiers in the Union army cannot be overstated. The inclusion of these soldiers in the Union ranks, as depicted in films like Glory, serves as a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom and equality. Through their courage and determination, black soldiers helped to shape the course of American history and continue to inspire us today.