American History

The film Glory depicts the trials, victories, and exploits of the 1st black army regiment of the United States during the Civil War. This was a significant event in U.S. history and a high point particularly in African-American history since this marked the first time that blacks were enlisted into the Army. This move came about right after the Emancipation Proclamation, wherein it declared the freedom of all slaves in the Confederate States of America. Further, it changed the political and social landscape of the United States at that time since slavery was a hot topic and spawned a lot of controversies and debates. The enlistment of the soldiers was a turning point in the social and political landscape of the country since African-Americans were looked upon as social outcasts at that time and were considered inferior compared to the Colonial Americans (whites). According to the National Archive (n.d.), by the end of the Civil War, roughly 179,000 black men (10 of the Union Army) served as soldiers in the U.S. Army and another 19,000 served in the Navy. Black soldiers served in artillery and infantry and performed all noncombat support functions that sustain an army, as well. Black carpenters, chaplains, cooks, guards, laborers, nurses, scouts, spies, steamboat pilots, surgeons, and teamsters also contributed to the war cause. (para. 4)

On the other hand, this move caused more problems for the black soldiers in terms of racial prejudice. They were initially paid only 10 per month plus 3 deduction for clothing resulting in a total pay of 7 compared to white soldiers who took home 13 a month without deductions. In addition, the black troops were not used extensively in combat compared to the non-colored ones since their capabilities were underestimated.

Nonetheless, it proved to be a high-water mark in American history as it ultimately decreased racial prejudice and most importantly, doors were opened for the African-American people and for their future generations.