Do Now: TermBook DefinitionI Say EmancipationFreeing of enslaved African Americans PatriotAdvocate of the colonies’ separation from Great Britain LoyalistA citizen of the American colonies who remained loyal to the British government during the War for Independence Directions: Copy the chart, definitions, and complete the “I Say” column

The Revolutionary War Era LEQ: What Role did African Americans Play in the American Revolution?

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LEQ: 0 What Role Did African Americans Play in the American Revolution? 0 African Americans of the 1770’s understood the revolutionary thought of their time. When a large minority of America’s white population demanded independence from Britain on the basis of a natural human right to freedom, many black Americans asserted their right to be liberated from slavery. It took a momentous change in outlook from that of earlier ages for either group to perceive freedom as a right. Just as momentous was the dawning awareness among white people of the contradiction of claiming freedom for themselves and denying it to others.

What is the African American Narrative During this Period? 0 African Americans exercised intellectual and political leadership that had far-ranging implications 0 Black writers and scientists emerged, black soldiers fought in battle; black artisans (craftsmen) proliferated, and black activists publicly argued against enslavement 0 African Americans used the War for Independence to gain their freedom 0 Some were Patriots 0 Some were Loyalists 0 Others used the dislocations of war to escape their masters

We Will Discuss… 0 The Crisis of the British Empire 0 Declaration of Independence 0 Black Enlightenment 0 African Americans in the War for Independence

The British Crisis

What was the Crisis of the British Empire? 0 The French-Indian War (a.k.a. The Seven Years War) 0 Expensive imperial war between France and Britain set the stage for the colonial independence movement to develop in America

What were the Consequences of the British Victory? 0 Indian nations are no-longer able to play the European powers against each other. They have difficulty resisting white encroachment. 0 British and Colonies are no longer united by a common threat. Bonds weaken. 0 British feel Americans should pay their share of the cost of empire and that American commerce should be more closely regulated 0 Americans were used to self-governance, and felt they no longer needed the British for protection

What British policies in the 1760’s led to rising resentment (anger) and resistance in the colonies? 0 The British Parliament passed a series of laws to limit colonial expansion and raise money. Many Americans considered this oppressive 0 The Proclamation Line – forbids American settlements west of the Appalachian Mountain ridge 0 Sugar Act 0 Stamp Act 0 Townshend Acts (and quartering of British troops)

What Happened After The British Imposed Its New Policies? 0 Resistance to these Acts culminates in the Declaration of Independence, issued by the Continental Congress 0 Boston Massacre 0 Tea Act leads to the Boston Tea Party 0 First Continental Congress 0 Battle at Lexington and Concord 0 Second Continental Congress 0 Declaration of Independence

Who was Crispus Attucks? 0 Boston Massacre 0 Joined a mob, with clubs and sticks, that harassed a small British detachment. 0 According to accounts, he took the lead in confronting the British troops, and hit a soldier. 0 He was the first to die when soldiers fired into the crowd 0 “First martyr to British oppression” (recognized by Samuel Adams & other Patriots) 0 Symbol of African American Patriotism

Declaration of Independence

0 “all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Was the Declaration of Independence Written to Include African Americans? 0 The DoI was written by men who did not believe that blacks could claim the same rights as white men. 0 They did not feel it was necessary to qualify their words. 0 Refers to slavery only to accuse the British of rallying African Americans to revolt.

Why weren’t rights extended to African Americans in the Declaration of Independence? 0 Because of Southern opposition, the Declaration of Independence was edited to exclude criticism of the slave trade. 0 “cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of distant [African] people.”

What influence did the ideas of John Locke have on the ideology of the American Revolution? 0 People created government to protect their natural individual rights to life, liberty and private property 0 If a government failed to perform this duty, the people have the right to overthrow it. 0 Freedom is a right! The Colonies have a right to freedom!

Does the natural right of “freedom” apply to slaves? 0 White Americans say No! 0 What contradiction? 0 African Americans say Yes! 0 The declaration of universal human rights logically must include people of all races. 0 In England, those who believed white Americans must submit to British authority pointed out the contradiction 0 “How is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?” 0 Some white Americans make similar comments 0 “with what consistency or decency they complain so loudly of attempts to enslave them, while they hold so many hundred thoustands in slavery; and anually enslave many thousands more” – Thomas Paine

Freedom, is universal. It applies to just me! Who’s bright ideas was it to call this era the “Age of Reason?”

What role did African Americans play in the events and debate that led to the American Revolution? slaves marched through Charleston, SC, shouting “liberty!” 0 Escaped throughout the revolution 0 Freedom suits 0 Petition colonial/state legislatures for gradual emancipation 0 Participated in demonstrations against Stamp Act 0 Crispus Attucks (Boston Massacre) 0 Black Minutemen (battle of Lexington and concord)