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6.10 The Freedom to Fight
Total Points: 20
After reading the lesson and viewing the video clips, please answer the following questions
in complete sentences.
1. Why were men like Frederick Douglass eager to send their sons to fight in the Civil War
when they could be killed in battle?
Write your response below:
Men like Frederick Douglass were eager to send their sons to fight in the Civil War
because they saw it as an opportunity for African Americans to fight for their freedom
and equality. Douglass, in particular, believed that African American soldiers could
prove their worth and bravery, challenging the pervasive stereotypes of inferiority.
Despite the risks, he viewed the war as a crucial moment for African Americans to earn
their rights and gain a sense of dignity through military service.
2. Why do you think Colonel Shaw objected to the burning and looting of the town of
Darien, GA?
Write your response below:
Colonel Shaw objected to the burning and looting of Darien, GA, because he believed
in maintaining moral integrity and discipline within his troops. As a leader, he was
committed to fighting for a noble cause, and he likely saw such actions as dishonorable
and inconsistent with the ideals of the Union Army. Shaw probably understood that
destroying civilian property would only alienate potential allies and damage the moral
high ground that the Union was trying to uphold.
3. Why do you think the story of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment is so famous?
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Write your response below:
The story of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment is famous because it was one of the first
all-African American regiments to fight in the Civil War. The bravery and sacrifice
displayed by its soldiers, particularly during the attack on Fort Wagner, highlighted the
courage and commitment of African Americans to the Union cause. The regiment’s
actions helped change public opinion about African American soldiers and paved the
way for greater enlistment of Black troops in the war.
4. Why do you think it took so many years for Sergeant Carney to be awarded the Medal of
Honor?
Write your response below:
It took many years for Sergeant Carney to be awarded the Medal of Honor likely due to
racial prejudices and the reluctance to honor African American soldiers for their
bravery at the time. Despite his heroism during the Battle of Fort Wagner, Carney’s
actions were not initially recognized because African Americans were often
overlooked or undervalued in military recognition. The delay in awarding the Medal of
Honor also reflects the broader societal challenges African American soldiers faced
during and after the Civil War.
5. Why do you think Colonel Shaw’s father was pleased that his son was buried with his
soldiers? Do you think there was a deeper meaning?
Write your response below:
Colonel Shaw’s father was likely pleased that his son was buried with his soldiers
because it showed that Shaw viewed his men as equals, and he was willing to stand
alongside them in both life and death. There was a deeper meaning in this act because
it symbolized Shaw’s commitment to the cause and his recognition of the bravery and
worth of the African American soldiers under his command. It also conveyed his
rejection of racial divisions, illustrating that he considered them his comrades, not
subordinates. His burial alongside his men further demonstrated his strong sense of
unity and solidarity with them.
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