The movie “Glory” showed several racial issues that were occurring during the Civil War, specifically in the military and the 54th regiment. During Lincoln’s presidency, slaves were rioting and fighting for their freedom. It was a rough time in American history, and we suffered an immense number of casualties. It’s truly sad how there was a point in time when people, simply for the fact that they were born with a darker complexion, had to fight and die for their freedom. However, with the help of strong military leaders like Colonel Shaw and Lincoln as president, our country overcame these hard times.

In “Glory,” there was a scene when Colonel Shaw announced to his regiment that because the 54th was a colored regiment, instead of receiving the full thirteen dollar pay that the white soldiers were receiving, they would only get ten. One of the soldiers started protesting, and others soon followed. Colonel Shaw, to my surprise, sided with his regiment. He said that if his soldiers refuse pay, then so will he. There is also a scene when the character Morgan Freeman plays is promoted within the regiment. This portrayed how much trust Shaw must have had in his soldiers. He also believes in the ability of them when he volunteers the 54th to be the first to attack at Fort Wagner, knowing that they will suffer the most casualties.

The movie did a really good job at showing the struggle people of color had to go through even within the military. It was pleasant to see how strong of a leader Shaw was. He sided with his soldiers and fought for them and with them. This is an admirable trait in any leader. It’s easy to boss people around, and tell them what to do. But it’s refreshing to see that Shaw did command his soldiers, but had the same standards and expectations for himself as well. There were obvious differences between colored and white people in the military, but luckily, it didn’t stop the progression of our country.

Glory. Dir. Edward Zwick. Perf. Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington. TriStar Pictures, 1989. Film.