Why was Robert Gould Shaw a great leader?

Question

Robert took a regiment of slaves that no one wanted. People thought they were nothing and couldn't fight. He took them and trained them to be one of the best regiments in the war. Also look at his age when he did these things. For his contribution to the Civil War Shaw should be known and honored as a great american hero. I believe that Shaw should be ranked right under George Washington as great american soliders.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

It seems like you answered your own question.

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

Answer 3

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