Purchase Solution

The Revolutionary War and African American History

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

How did the Revolutionary War affect enslaved African Americans? Did it create any openings for freedom or further negotiation with slaveowners? Were enslaved African Americans more likely to favor the American patriot forces or the British? Why?

Purchase this Solution
Solution Preview

At the time of the Revolutionary War, there were Blacks on both side of the spectrum in terms of being either free or slave. At first glance, many might assume that Blacks would side with the British in the rebellion in order to possibly earn their freedom on a more progressive scale, yet history reveals to us that this was not the case. Free Blacks, in particular, joined the Patriot cause and were actively involve in the anti-British cause. In fact, it is believed that the very notion of freedom was the primary and mitigating reason that many Blacks joined the American forces in fighting to become free from the British. It is also widely known that many free slaves at the time actually enlisted in the Patriot Army according to their own free will, while many others were drafted and forced to choose a side and go fight.

The Revolutionary War impact the lives of African Americans throughout the colonies in numerous way. Blacks themselves understood this and had numerous reasons for joining the fight, no matter which side they ultimately gave their allegiance to. Some likely joined the fight as a way to escape, what for many of them, was a boring and mundane life. They wanted to fight in order to gain a sense of adventure, and also with a longing that a new nation would bring them new opportunities. Some truly believed in the aims and ...

Solution provided by:
Jason Blair, MA, PhD (IP)
Education
  • BA, Arizona State University
  • MA, University of Phoenix
  • PhD (IP), North Central University
Recent Feedback
  • "thk u"
  • "Thk u"
  • "Thk u"
  • "Thank you! Posted one more."
  • "Thk u"
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The U.S. Constitution

How much do you know about the U.S. Constitution? Test your knowledge with this short quiz!

Native American Removal

This quiz covers the history surrounding the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Vocabulary Quiz: Europe

Quiz yourself with basic vocabulary related to Europe! These questions are important for understanding history in social studies.

German Wars of Unification

A short quiz to determine the student's knowledge of events and figures associated with the mid 19th Century German Wars of Unification

The French Revolution

This quiz covers the first French Revolution of 1789-94.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • American Violence through History

    166634 History of American Violence I have to write an essay discussing one of the ongoing themes in the history of American violence from the colonial and revolutionary period until the early twentieth century.

  • multiple drivers of political violence in America

    There were also problems with people revolting because of the Spanish-American War, WWI, and WWII, because they did not want to join the war. The 1968, African-American riots were incited by the assassination of Martin Luther King.

  • The Fourth Turning

    58564 The American Civil War is emphasized. What is your insight about the Fourth Turning and the American Civil War? Fourth Turning Book is written and published in 1997 by William Strauss and Neil Howe.

  • Women and the Revolution: Gender, Race, Roles

    How were these changes specifically related to the Revolutionary War and Great Awakening? How were the changes experienced by Native American women and African American women different from those of white women?

  • Women in the Military

    iv. what traits, principles, or characteristics made this a notable part of the military heritage? The history of American women in US military can cited back to the time of Revolutionary War.

  • US History: The Revolution War

    The Revolutionary War in the United States history is examined.

  • African American History During The Civil War

    599757 African American History During The Civil War Explain the experiences of African Americans during the Civil War.

  • American Education and Multiculturalism

    475913 American Education and Multiculturalism How does the history of American education provide a context for multiculturalism? How does the history of American education provide a context for multiculturalism?

  • Consequences of the Civil War

    The American Civil War was a war fought within the United States of America between the Northern and Southern states starting in 1861 and ending in 1865. This war was one of the most destructive in American history.

View More Related Solutions