An Analysis of Historical Inaccuracies in 'Glory': The 54th Massachusetts Regiment and the American Civil War

The 1989 film Glory, directed by Edward Zwick and based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War, starring Matthew Broderick, Peter Fenning, and Denzel Washington, is often regarded as a significant cinematic achievement. Despite its quality, the film contains inaccuracies that affect its historical accuracy, particularly with regard to the treatment and experiences of African-American soldiers. This analysis will focus on the historical inaccuracies in the film, specifically concerning the treatment of black soldiers, their involvement in battles such as Fort Wagner, and the portrayal of the Battle of the Crater.

The Real-Life Context: Challenges Faced by African-American Soldiers

During the Civil War, African-American soldiers often faced unimaginable hardships and discrimination. They were frequently assigned to the most dangerous and menial tasks, such as digging trenches and clearing mine fields. This was not a unique situation; similar conditions were reported in various accounts of the time. According to official military records, over 272 African-American soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment were killed or wounded during the assault on Fort Wagner, with 116 of these fatalities.

Historical Context and Accuracy in the Film

Glory's portrayal of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment is generally considered historically accurate, with attention paid to maintaining the authenticity of the subject matter and the experiences of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the reunited families depicted. However, the film's representation of the Battle of the Crater and the assault on Battery Wagner has been criticized for its inaccuracy. For instance, the movie suggests that Fort Wagner was never conquered, which is a misrepresentation of historical facts. Fort Wagner, however, was officially captured by the 54th Massachusetts after fierce fighting.

Critical Inaccuracies in the Film

Violent Punishments in the Army

A more significant historical inaccuracy in Glory is the portrayal of punitive measures used on soldiers. While the movie depicts flogging, which was indeed outlawed in the U.S. military by 1863, other physical punishments were still employed in the form of being tied up by the thumbs or bucked and gagged. This is a critical error, as these punitive measures were indeed used but not mentioned in the film.

Historical Anachronisms in Costumes

Another notable inaccuracy is found in the costumes. In a scene where slave children are shown waving to the soldiers, one child is wearing a digital watch, which is an anachronism. Digital watches did not exist in the 19th century, making this detail stand out as a clear historical error.

Conclusion

While Glory is a celebrated film for its powerful depiction of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and their resilience, it is important to recognize and discuss its limitations in terms of historical accuracy. The film offers a powerful narrative but should be viewed alongside historical sources to gain a more complete understanding of the experiences of African-American soldiers during the American Civil War. These inaccuracies, such as the ascribed punishments and the depiction of Fort Wagner, serve as reminders of the complexities and challenges inherent in historical storytelling and the importance of accuracy in maintaining the integrity of historical narratives.