Name: ____________________________
Glory
Period: _____
Directions: Watch the video entitled Glory. While watching the video answer the following
questions to the best of your ability.
Robert Gould Shaw, the son of wealthy Boston abolitionists,
was 23 years old when he enlisted to fight in the War
between the States. He wrote home regularly, telling
his parents of life in the gathering Army of the Potomac.
These letters are collected in the Houghton Library of Harvard.
1. What state were Colonel Robert Shaw and the 54th Regiment from?____________________
2. Describe the scene at the party in the Governor’s office. What famous African American is
3. there? ____________________________________What happens to Shaw during this scene?
___________________________________________________________________________
4. According to Colonel Shaw how are the black troops different from the white troops in their
use of leisure time and in their attitude?___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. What did the Confederacy threaten to do to any black man found wearing a Union uniform
and fighting against the Confederacy?____________________________________________
6. How many men left the unit after this threat?_______________________________________
7. When Colonel Shaw sits down to Christmas dinner with other officers, what is their opinion
of an all-black regiment?______________________________________________________
8. Why was flogging particularly humiliating for Trip (played by Denzel Washington)? ______
___________________________________________________________________________
9. What piece of apparel did the black soldiers need more than anything else?_______________
10. How did the men react to their deduction in pay?___________________________________
11. What is significant about Colonel Shaw's decision to refuse his paycheck?_______________
___________________________________________________________________________
12. Why is the promotion of soldier Rawlins (played by Morgan Freeman) such a big deal?
___________________________________________________________________________
13. What tasks are the soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment forced to do during their first
months in the South?__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
14. What happens to Thomas during the battle for James Island in July of 1863?_____________
___________________________________________________________________________
15. Why do you think Thomas is so adamant about not being sent home?___________________
___________________________________________________________________________
16. What fort does Colonel Shaw request the honor of attacking?__________________________
17. Around the campfire what does Sergeant Rawlins (played by Morgan Freeman) say he and
his men are fighting for? ______________________________________________________
18. How does the attitude of the white combat troops change during the course of the movie
AND explain why you think this happens._________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
19. Describe how the method of fighting during the Civil War contributed to the high casualty
rate during the war.___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
20. Who controlled Fort Wagner on the day after the assault by the 54th Massachusetts regiment?
___________________________________________________________________________
21. How much of the 54th Massachusetts was lost on their assault on Fort Wagner? ___________
22. Why do you think the filmmakers chose to call their movie Glory? _____________________
___________________________________________________________________________
23. What was your favorite scene of the movie and WHY?_______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
The 54th Massachusetts lost over half its number in the assault on Ft. Wagner. The
supporting white brigades also suffered heavily before withdrawing. The fort was never
taken. As word of their bravery spread, Congress at last authorized the raising of black
troops throughout the Union. Over 180,000 volunteered. President Lincoln credited these
men of color with helping turn the tide of the war.