Important Leaders of the War, and the role of underrepresented groups E.Q: Why did most Native American tribes support England instead of the Americans?

Slavery England offered freedom to any slave who took up arms against the Americans This forced G.W.to reverse his position, and accept African-American soldiers. Southern States would not allow black troops on their land; WHY? They felt that a slave who saw an armed, free black man would be more likely to rebel against their slave master.

James Armistead Originally a slave, he was a spy for General Washington; he was the double agent who reported the British army at Yorktown. He was born 1760 and he died In 1786 Armistead received his freedom from being a slave.

Mumbet (Elizabeth Freeman) Slave in Mass; born into slavery. Massachusetts state Constitution of 1780 said that all men are born free and equal There was no “except” clause She sued for her freedom and won. Stage is being set; Slavery will be a massive issue for the new United States.

Native Tribes Most Native Tribes, overwhelmingly, supported England during the War. Why? Hint: The Proclamation Line of 1763….. Most Native Tribes felt that England would have left them alone while the Americans had already shown a willingness to expand even further west. Smallpox outbreak that started in the East also spread West…

Women in the War Many women served in the War, some in combat Most famous was Deborah Sampson from MA. Disguised as a man (she was tall for a woman, so she didn’t arouse suspicion) Wounded in NJ, and took the musket ball out herself to avoid being discovered. Molly Pitcher is probably a mix of several women; not an actual person.

Patriots of the American Revolution The following are people that had various positions to fight in the American Revolution.

Nathan Hale He was a spy for the American Rebels during the American Revolution. He was born 1755 and he died He was hanged by the British when he was 21 as a spy. He was an American Patriot of the Revolutionary War. “My only regret is that I have but one life to give for my country.”

John Paul Jones Father of the American Navy He was born 1747 in Scotland; died 1792 in France. Raided the English Coast during the War Later left the United States and fought for the Russians

Benedict Arnold ( ) Benedict became a General and was the boldest American general. Helped win the battle of Fort Ticonderoga for America. Later Benedict became a traitor to America and sided with Britain. He felt that G.W. and Congress didn’t appreciate his skills Raided southern states after escaping capture from West Point. Made a Brigadier General in the British Army, and returned to England after the war.

Nathanael Greene ( ) Nathanael Greene was born on November 27th, Henry was a general in the continental army during the revolution. Henry led campaigns against the British in North and South Carolina. Nathanael Greene

General Henry Knox Knox was a war general and the Nation’s first Secretary of War. He was one of George Washington’s most trusted officers. Henry Knox directed Washington’s troops to cross the Delaware. Henry Knox

Francis Marion Captain of militia company during the Continental Army. Known for using the protection of rivers, hills, and swamps “Swamp Fox” Helped defend South Carolina during the war