Buffalo Soldiers Slides
Official Record 1898
Buffalo Soldiers
Frontline Heroes of 1898
The Spanish-American War
The Four Regiments
"The Buffalo Soldiers were professional, veteran soldiers. Many had years of experience on the Western frontier."
Deployed to Cuba:
- 9th & 10th Cavalry (Horse)
- 24th & 25th Infantry (Foot)
Over 3,000
Black Soldiers Served
A War for Freedom?
In April 1898, the U.S. declared war on Spain to support Cuban independence.
The Paradox
Buffalo Soldiers fought for the freedom of others abroad while facing segregation and discrimination at home in the Jim Crow era.
"Remember the Maine!"
The mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor ignited the conflict.
Hero of San Juan Hill
Sgt. George Berry
10th Cavalry
Action: Saving the Colors
When the color-bearer of the 3rd Cavalry (White) fell, Sgt. Berry grabbed their flag. He charged up the hill carrying both the 10th and 3rd Cavalry colors.
"I'm coming, boys!" he reportedly shouted as he breached the Spanish defenses.
July 1, 1898
The Battle of San Juan Heights
Kettle Hill
Before the main attack on San Juan Hill, the 10th Cavalry and the Rough Riders attacked Kettle Hill.
Under Heavy Fire
Spanish forces used smokeless powder, making them hard to spot. The Buffalo Soldiers moved through tall grass and barbed wire while being targeted from above.
Battlefield Map
The 10th Cavalry reached the summit first, providing cover for the Rough Riders.
1st Lt. John J. Pershing
The White Officer of the 10th
Pershing led the 10th Cavalry during the charge. He earned his nickname "Black Jack" because of his service with and deep respect for the Buffalo Soldiers.
In His Words:
"We officers of the Tenth Cavalry could have taken our men anywhere... I have never seen such courage."
San Juan Hill
The 24th Infantry
Commanded the center of the line. Despite losing many officers, the Black non-commissioned officers took charge and kept the men moving forward.
The 25th Infantry
Captured the Spanish blockhouse at El Caney, proving their mettle in fierce hand-to-hand combat against entrenched forces.
The Result
The hills were taken by the afternoon. The victory forced the Spanish fleet to flee Santiago harbor, leading to the war's end.
Recognition Earned
Five Buffalo Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their extraordinary bravery in Cuba.
Edward L. Baker Jr.
10th Cavalry
Dennis Bell
10th Cavalry
Fitz Lee
10th Cavalry
William H. Thompkins
10th Cavalry
A Complicated Legacy
Military Excellence
Their performance silenced many critics who doubted Black soldiers' ability to fight in modern warfare.
Delayed Recognition
Despite their heroism, Theodore Roosevelt later downplayed their role in his popular accounts of the war.
Field Discussion
"Why were the Buffalo Soldiers uniquely suited for the conditions in Cuba, and how did their service impact the fight for civil rights in America?"
End of Briefing
Frontline Heroes Worksheet
Field Report: Buffalo Soldiers
Department of the Santiago Campaign | 1898
Declassified
Soldier Name (Student)
Reporting Date
Unit / Period
I. The Four Regiments
Identify the four African American regiments that served in the Spanish-American War and their primary roles.
1
2
3
4
Why were these soldiers known as "Buffalo Soldiers"?
II. Commanders & Heroes
Match the individual to their specific action or role during the 1898 Cuban campaign.
Sgt. George Berry
____
A. White commander of the 10th Cavalry; nicknamed "Black Jack."
Edward L. Baker Jr.
____
B. Carried both the 10th and 3rd Cavalry flags up the hill under heavy fire.
John J. Pershing
____
C. Served as second-in-command of the Rough Riders (interacted with 10th Cav).
Theodore Roosevelt
____
D. 10th Cavalry veteran awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at Santiago.
III. The Charge Up the Heights
Document the sequence of the attack on July 1, 1898.
Phase 1: Kettle Hill
The 10th Cavalry & Rough Riders
1
Observation Notes
Observation Notes
2
Phase 2: San Juan Hill
The 24th & 25th Infantry
Phase 3: The Aftermath
Medals & Recognition
3
Observation Notes
Final Briefing
Evaluate the impact of the Buffalo Soldiers. Despite facing discrimination at home, why did these men fight so bravely in Cuba? How did their actions challenge the social norms of 1898?
Frontline Heroes Answer Key
Answer Key: Buffalo Soldiers
Teacher Reference | Spanish-American War
Key
I. The Four Regiments
-
9th Cavalry Regiment
-
10th Cavalry Regiment
-
24th Infantry Regiment
-
25th Infantry Regiment
Name Origin:
Native Americans (Cheyenne) gave them the name because their curly hair resembled the fur of the buffalo and for their fierce, brave fighting spirit. The soldiers accepted the name as a mark of respect.
II. Commanders & Heroes Matching
Sgt. George Berry
B
Carried both flags (10th & 3rd Cav) during the charge.
Edward L. Baker Jr.
D
Awarded Medal of Honor for heroic action at Santiago.
John J. Pershing
A
White commander of the 10th Cav; "Black Jack."
Theodore Roosevelt
C
Rough Rider commander; fought alongside 10th Cav.
III. Sequence of Events
Phase 1: The 10th Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers) and the Rough Riders charge Kettle Hill. The 10th Cav reached the top first, silencing Spanish fire.
Phase 2: The 24th and 25th Infantry charge the main blockhouse on San Juan Hill. After white officers were killed, Black NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) took command.
Phase 3: Spanish forces retreated. Buffalo Soldiers earned 5 Medals of Honor and 25-30 Certificates of Merit for bravery.
Final Briefing Key Themes
- Patriotism: Desired to prove their citizenship and worthiness of equal rights through military service.
- Competence: Proved that Black units were as effective (or more) than white units, even in integrated combat situations.
- Contradiction: Highlighted the irony of fighting for "freedom" for Cubans while Jim Crow laws restricted their own freedom at home.
- Legacy: Their success led to the eventual integration of the military (though not until 1948).
