Thunder at the Gates by Douglas R. Egerton - 4 stars

[Joy D]

Thunder at the Gates: The Black Civil War Regiments That Redeemed America by Douglas R. Egerton - 4* - My Review

Thunder at the Gates recounts the formation and battlefield actions of the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry and the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry that fought for the Union in the Civil War. These regiments were led by white officers but composed of African American men born free or into slavery. Readers may be familiar with the story depicted in the notable 1989 film, “Glory,” which used composite black characters, but this book tells the story of the real participants. Egerton weaves together the history of the three regiments by focusing on fourteen of the men.

The book is well researched and well written. The use of primary sources is extensive. It provides details on recruiting, training, wartime service, occupation duties, and postwar experiences. It is an excellent history that portrays how distinguished military performance translated into political and social change. I think it is valuable to recognize that racial progress in American has taken a long, uneven path, and we still have a long way to go. This book is certainly relevant to ongoing contemporary discussions about the nature of racial progress in America, which has become even more important in recent times.