Why was Robert Gould Shaw a great leader?

First, most of the enlisted men of the 54th Massachusetts had not previously been slaves but were free blacks.

Second, I don't mean to disparage Shaw or the 54th--they performed well. But to argue that Shaw is one of the best military leaders in our country's history or the 54th one of the best units of the war are just ridiculous. You can honor them without having to resort to such extreme and over the top claims.

--The 54th is only one of many "US Colored Infantry" regiments that served with distinction. The 54th just happened to have a movie made out of part of their experience. Did you know that the 54 suffered more casualties and saw more combat AFTER Robert Gould Shaw was killed than under his command?

--There were many more Union regiments (not to mention Confederate regiments) that suffered higher casualties, fought for longer periods, and accomplished more during the Civil War? For instance, all of the regiments of the Iron Brigade, the Irish Brigade, the Stonewall Brigade and the Texas Brigade suffered high casualty rates, fought for the duration of the war, accomplished more. The 1st Maine (a heavy artillery unit turned into infantry) lost 635 men out of 900 in only 7 minutes on one assault. The 26th North Carolina lost 714 men out of 800 on the 3rd day at Gettysburg. The 24th Michigan (across from the 26th N.C.) lost 362 out of 496 men at the same time. The Iron Brigade lost a total of 886 of 1,538 just at Gettysburg and suffered over 200% casualties for the entire war. The Irish Brigade mustered a total of 7,000 men during the war and returned with 1,000. The highest casualty rate for a single engagement was the 1st Texas Regiment at Antietam--in 30 minutes in The Cornfield they suffered 82.3% casualties (and one company suffered 100% casualties). At Gettysburg alone, 23 Union Regiments suffered 50% casualties or greater. By comparison, the 54th Massachusetts lost 272 (killed, wounded and captured) out of the 600 that attempted to capture Ft. Wagner.

And none of that is meant as a slight against Shaw or the 54th. Only that you need to put things in perspective. For instance, Strong Vincent was probably a better commander, achieved higher rank, accomplished more, played a more crucial role and died at the same age as Robert Gould Shaw. There is nothing to indicate that Shaw was anything special tactically or as a leader other than he believed passionately in his cause. There are many other regiments (black and white) that fought just as well as the 54th (which is not to minimize their performance, only to point out that practically no informed history of the civil war would claim the 54th Massachusetts to be one of the best regiments of the war on either side).

I respect Shaw and honor him. His contribution to the Civil War was minimal (the 54th, along with the other 3 white units involved in the assault failed to take Ft. Wagner). The Civil War was populated by thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of guys like Robert Gould Shaw who had the courage and guts to fight for what they believed in, did a good job, and gave the final last measure of devotion. Let us honor everyone who fought and died. But to argue that Shaw is above all others (or among, let's say, the top 5-10) greatly exaggerates his role.

I serve with the parachutes units in the military,and to this day ----I consider Col Gould Shaw and Col Joshua who both led attacks in the civil war,which were nothing more than heroric,period!!By the way,some us ex-paratroopers really admire this kind of Officers!!Thank you for reading my remarks!!

He may not have been the greatest military leader, but the fact that he was so motivated to make sure the African-Americans in his unit got to see action and the great lengths he went too in order to make this happen shows strong character. Most of the African units were being used for labor and not in combat situations. The fact is that a few hundred thousand more units were added to the union armies size and strength and put the confederates who were already outnumbered at an even worse disadvantage. Once he began using them for combat, it really opened the door for blacks to be used for combat in the army as other regiments began seeking the same approval he received. Taking initiative is a virtue.

for the period of virtually 2 years of provider in the 2d, wherein he rose to the rank of captain, Shaw became wounded at Antietam and observed a number of his closest comrades fall in conflict. yet his make certain grew in simple terms much less assailable with each combat. In February 1863, Francis Shaw individually introduced Governor John Andrew's furnish of command of the recent Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment to his son Robert, then at Stafford courtroom homestead, Virginia. no longer particular he became "equivalent to the accountability of considered one of these place," and little doubt reluctant to flow away the regiment to which he became committed, the greater youthful Shaw previously each thing declined the furnish. yet his good experience of accountability prevailed. "Now," his mom wrote after he had extensive-unfold the colonelcy, "i've got self belief waiting to die, for I see you keen to furnish your help to the reason at the back of fact it rather is mendacity crushed and bleeding."

I agree, the man was a great and courageous leader. It's so sad that his life had to end so early though...

It seems like you answered your own question.

They weren't slaves though, the unit was made up of ex-slaves and free blacks.