Ethan Davis
Yes, the movie Glory (1989) is based on a true story. It portrays the story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first Union Army units composed entirely of African-American soldiers during the Civil War. The film depicts their experiences, struggles, and sacrifices, including their bravery in the Battle of Fort Wagner.
What is the true story behind the movie Glory (1989)?
The movie Glory (1989) is based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to fight in the American Civil War.
The regiment was formed in early 1863, and its commander was Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a young white officer from a prominent abolitionist family. The soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts were mostly black, although there were also some white officers and enlisted men.
The regiment saw its first major action at the Battle of Fort Wagner in July 1863. The fort was heavily defended, and the 54th Massachusetts suffered heavy losses in its attempt to capture it. Colonel Shaw was among those killed in the battle, and over half of the regiment’s soldiers were either killed, wounded, or captured.
Despite the defeat at Fort Wagner, the 54th Massachusetts continued to fight in the war and played a significant role in several other battles. The regiment became well-known throughout the North as an example of the bravery and dedication of African American soldiers in the fight against slavery.
The story of the 54th Massachusetts was largely forgotten after the end of the Civil War, but it was rediscovered in the 20th century and became the subject of several books, films, and other works of art. The movie Glory is one of the most famous and beloved of these works, and it helped to bring the story of the 54th Massachusetts to a new generation of Americans.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Glory (1989)?
Yes, there are several books about the true story behind the movie Glory. Some of these include:
- One Gallant Rush: Robert Gould Shaw and His Brave Black Regiment by Peter Burchard
- A Brave Black Regiment: The History of the 54th Massachusetts, 1863-1865 by Luis F. Emilio
- The Black Military Experience by Ira Berlin, Joseph P. Reidy, and Leslie S. Rowland
- For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War by James M. McPherson
- African American Soldiers in the Civil War: Fighting for Freedom by Jennifer Lynn Gross
These books provide in-depth historical accounts of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and their involvement in the Civil War. They also explore the social and political climate at the time, the experiences of African American soldiers, and the legacy of the regiment.
You can try an audible free trial and search for audiobook versions of those