Robert Gould Shaw Sparknotes

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Robert Gould Shaw was a man born from a wealthy family in boston. Robert Gould Shaw was appointed colonel of the 54th Massachusetts volunteer infantry, this was the first all black regiments in the Union army during the civil war. Shaw first struggles with his own prejudices and doubts the ability of black soldiers to fight well in the war. However as he gets to know his men and see their bravery and commitment he becomes more passionate and for their causes and the men respect him for them.

As the movie went on Robert Gould Shaw would come across many difficult challenges and obstacles. One of those difficult challenges was discrimination of his own army, and the danger and violence of the battlefield. Despite these difficult challenges …show more content…

Forbes at first was naive and inexperienced and was unsure on how to lead black soldiers under his command, but as the movie goes on he progresses and becomes a more confident leader thanks to the help of Robert Gould Shaw. Forbes also had a very strong and close relationship with Robert Gould Shaw.

Major Cabot Forbes also helped to bridge the gap between the white officers and the black soldiers in the regiment. Major Cabot Forbes also developed a relationship with a young woman from a prominent Boston family. But overall Forbes started a bit naive and didn't have much leadership. But in the end Forbes ended up becoming a well crafted character in the movie, and he also learned to be an effective and confident leader for his men.

Sgt. Mah. John Rawlins is a former slave who served as the quartermaster sergeant of the 54th Massachusetts volunteer Infantry. Again he was also a part of the first all black regiments In the Union Army during the civil war. Rawlins in the movie was a father figure to most soldiers and a mentor in the film. Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins also served as a liaison between the soldiers and their white officers, and he advocated their fair treatment and …show more content…

Trip was a rebellious and independent soldier who did not trust the white officers. This was also including the regiment commanding officer (Robert Gould Shaw).

Throughout the film Private Silas Trips battles with Shaw and other white offices over the problem of racism and unequal treatment. But as the film goes by he ends up forming a bond with Shaw and begins to respect him as a leader. Trip ends up becoming a skilled and courageous soldier and played a huge role in the 54ths attack on Fort Wagner, but he ends up getting wounded in the battle of Fort Wagner, Private Silas trip survived this wound.

Corporal Thomas Searles is a free black man from Massachusetts who joins the 54th Massachusetts volunteer Infantry, Which was the first all black regiments in the Union Army during the civil war. Corporal Thomas Searles is first met with discrimination amongst others like the white soldiers and even a colored one (Private silas trip). But he later on in the film gains their respect through his bravery in the battle and the