Answer:
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment proved that African-Americans were brave and capable soldiers, as it engaged in several battles, achieving important victories.
Explanation:
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was the first fully African-American unit of Union troops. It was created during the Civil War in 1863 on the initiative of Massachusetts Governor John A. Adams. The first commander was Colonel Robert Shaw, who, like all other officers of the regiment, was white.
Most of the recruits were black residents of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York. Some of the soldiers were ex-slaves from the south. After formation, the regiment participated in the looting and destruction of Darien, although the direct participation of soldiers from the 54th Regiment was small.
The 54th Regiment gained fame during the attack on Fort Wagner in July 18, 1863, when half of the soldiers and their commander fell in battle. The fort was not conquered, but the fame gained helped to form new troops consisting of African-Americans.
Ten years after these events, William Harvey Carney, the ensign of the regiment during the attack on the fort, was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
After the war, the regiment was dissolved.
