Minorities of the American Revolution

Bellwork When I mention “The American Revolution” what people come to mind?

What is a minority? “A subordinate group whose members have significantly less control or power over their lives than members of a dominant or majority group”- Schaefer Subset of the population- typically are not given as much historical attention Women, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, etc.

Women of the American Revolution Thousands of women took part in the war effort, from both sides Usual role- camp followers Cooking, mending, laundry, childcare, nursing the sick Usually paid a small wage

Women of the American Revolution Deborah Sampson- posed as a man to enter the Continental Army Enlisted as Timothy Thayer in discovered when she didn’t report for duty after a night at the bar Re-enlisted as Robert Shurtleff later that year Discovered when she became seriously ill Received an honorable discharge

Women of the American Revolution Margaret Corbin (Captain Molly) Camp Follower Taught to load and fire cannons Battle of Fort Washington- husband fatally injured, took his place, was injured herself. Received a military pension from Congress Buried on the grounds of the US Military Academy

Slaves and the American Revolution Freedom was their priority; loyal to whatever side offered it British actively recruited slaves belonging to Patriot masters More slaves fought for England than for the colonies Originally, Washington was not interested in recruiting slaves Changed his mind in 1778 when Continental army was dwindling

Slaves of the American Revolution Colonel Tye- best known of the Loyalist black soldiers Led a guerilla Black Brigade- wreaked havoc on New York and New Jersey 800 men Sept. 1st 1780, shot through the wrist, died of infection

Slaves and the American Revolution Most slaves who fought for the English lost their freedom anyway Attempted to leave with the British when they retreated- not allowed Americans demanded the return of their property as a part of the peace treaty Sir Guy Carleton- British commander, ensured that slaves loyal to the crown were treated fairly taken back to England and awarded freedom.

Native Americans and the American Revolution Fighting for their own interests- attempt to preserve their homelands. British Proclamation of 1763 Knew that if colonists won, more of their land would be taken Many Indian nations attempted to stay neutral; some joined. Cherokee- attacked settlements Split the Iroquois Confederacy Mohawk- honored old alliance with England Oneidas and Tuscaroras joined colonists Became a civil war for the Iroquois

Native Americans and the American Revolution In 1783 at their surrender, England handed over all of their western territory with no regard to their Indian allies Many tribes who supported the colonists lost their land all the same Natives fought for their interests, not England’s or America’s.