When the African American soldiers were going to be paid less, I thought that was pretty believable considering that racism was fairly popular back then. However, when Shaw ripped up his bank note (or whatever that piece of paper was) so that he could be on equal pay terms like his troops, it was unrealistic. I don't think the white people back then really cared enough about "equality" to not receive $13 which was a lot of money back then.
I do believe that the whole harsh training routine that the African American soldiers had to go through was accurate though. I also think that when they sang spirituals and whatnot after the hard days, it was actually a part of history. It was a little sad when Shaw learned that the white soldiers were receiving more and better provisions than the African American soldiers but that was probably also true.
Another part of the movie that was probably Hollywood treatment was when the 54th Massachusetts regiment was just about to enter Fort Wagner. The white soldiers showed respect and cheered for them, as if they respected them or actually cared that these men were going to die. I don't think that the whites back then would have really cared or respected the African American soldiers- they probably just thought of the Africans American soldiers as extra manpower instead of respectable and equal human beings.
I agree it was believable that the colored regiment would receive $3 less with worse provisions, however after knowing Shaw's personality, him ripping his bank note was not much of a surprise. He treated his men with respect and tried his hardest to get them the best supplies that they can get. I agree with you also that the white soldiers cheering as the 54th regiment was walking into Fort Wagner were cheering more for the extra manpower and the little bit of rest they can get before they have to go in there and fight also.
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