Black Soldiers Were the Real Heroes at San Juan Hill. And They Got No Credit.

Summary

In this interview with Reason TV, Jerome Tuccille discusses his book 'The Roughest Riders,' which reveals the untold story of black soldiers, known as Buffalo Soldiers, during the Spanish-American War. He challenges the widely accepted narrative of Teddy Roosevelt's charge up San Juan Hill, emphasizing the overlooked role of black troops in securing victory. Tuccille highlights the racism faced by these soldiers despite their bravery, and Roosevelt’s gradual backpedaling on his initial praise. The conversation also touches on broader issues of race relations in America and the progress toward military integration.

Takeaways

• 🦬 The Buffalo Soldiers were freed slaves who joined the army post-Civil War due to lack of economic opportunities.
• 🦅 The Buffalo Soldiers were named by Native American tribes for their toughness in battle, resembling buffalo in both appearance and resilience.
• 🏞️ Buffalo Soldiers played a key role in the Spanish-American War, where they fought alongside Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.
• ⚔️ Teddy Roosevelt’s famous charge up San Juan Hill is largely mythologized; in reality, the Buffalo Soldiers played a crucial role in securing the victory.
• 📖 Roosevelt initially praised the Buffalo Soldiers but later downplayed their role, suggesting they were only effective under white leadership.
• 📸 Roosevelt’s fame from the war was largely built by reporters who followed him, overshadowing the contributions of black soldiers.
• 🎖️ The Buffalo Soldiers performed heroically in various battles during the Spanish-American War, including securing key victories at Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill.
• 🇺🇸 The story of the Buffalo Soldiers' contributions was largely buried in history, with most focus on Roosevelt and the Rough Riders.
• 👥 Racism persisted in the military, even after significant contributions from black soldiers, and continued until integration during the Korean War.
• 👶 The author of the book hopes that future generations will learn from history and grow up in a more racially harmonious society.

Q & A

Who were the Buffalo Soldiers, and how did they get their name?

The Buffalo Soldiers were freed slaves who joined the army after 1863. They were named by Native American tribes, such as the Cheyenne, who said they fought like buffaloes, enduring injuries but continuing to fight. Their dark skin and shaggy hair also resembled the appearance of buffaloes, and the name stuck.

How were the Buffalo Soldiers involved in the Spanish-American War?

After fighting in the Indian Wars, the Buffalo Soldiers were deployed in the Spanish-American War. Washington believed that due to their genetic makeup, black soldiers could better withstand tropical climates like Cuba's. They played crucial roles in several key battles, including the famous charge up San Juan Hill.

What role did Teddy Roosevelt play in the Spanish-American War, and how was his legacy shaped?

Teddy Roosevelt led the Rough Riders, a group of soldiers, in the Spanish-American War, famously credited with charging up San Juan Hill. However, the reality is that Roosevelt’s Rough Riders were only assigned to Kettle Hill, and Buffalo Soldiers played a more significant role in capturing San Juan Hill. Roosevelt's image was promoted by reporters, which exaggerated his contributions.

What is the common misconception about the charge up San Juan Hill?

The common misconception is that Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders single-handedly charged up San Juan Hill and won the battle. In reality, Roosevelt's Rough Riders were struggling on Kettle Hill, and it was the Buffalo Soldiers who played a pivotal role in capturing both Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill.

How did Roosevelt's view of the Buffalo Soldiers evolve over time?

Initially, Roosevelt praised the Buffalo Soldiers as great warriors who helped secure victory. However, over time, he began to downplay their contributions, stating they performed well because they were led by white officers. Later, he claimed they were shirking their duties, a total fabrication designed to preserve his own image.

Why did Roosevelt downplay the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the war?

Roosevelt downplayed the role of the Buffalo Soldiers because he wanted to preserve his own glory and reputation as the hero of the war. Allowing the truth that the Buffalo Soldiers played a key role would have diminished his image.

What research did Jerome Tuccille undertake to write 'The Roughest Riders'?

Tuccille spent four to five years researching the Buffalo Soldiers' story. He consulted materials from the Library of Congress, the National Park Service, and the Buffalo Soldier project, piecing together a narrative that had largely been overlooked in American history.

What was the significance of the Spanish-American War for the United States?

The Spanish-American War marked the first step in the creation of the American Empire. The United States won the war and acquired territories like the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, extending its influence beyond its borders.

How does Tuccille view modern race relations in the U.S. military?

Tuccille believes that racism still exists in society and possibly in the military, though progress has been made. Figures like Colin Powell have shown that black soldiers can achieve high-ranking positions. He also notes that his grandchildren's generation may be the first truly colorblind generation in America.

What is Tuccille's goal in writing 'The Roughest Riders'?

Tuccille's goal in writing the book is to tell the untold story of the Buffalo Soldiers, whose contributions to the Spanish-American War were largely buried or overshadowed by figures like Teddy Roosevelt. He aims to correct the historical record and highlight the bravery and contributions of these black soldiers.