USA HISTORY

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1775 1783

BRITISH LOYALISTS VS AMERICAN PATRIOTS DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Why did many slaves choose to help the British?
A
they were offered freedom
B
they were offered food
C
Patriots would not pay them
D
British were better trained
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Enslaved men of color supported the British cause for a number of reasons. First, many slaves believed slavery had already been abolished in Great Britain. In 1772, James Somerset, an enslaved man owned by customs official Charles Stuart, brought suit against his owner in a London court in order to obtain his freedom.

Detailed explanation-2: -The British promised freedom to enslaved people who left their Patriot masters to side with the British. In New York City, which the British occupied, thousands of refugee enslaved people migrated there to gain freedom. The British created a registry of people who had escaped slavery, called the Book of Negroes.

Detailed explanation-3: -On June 30, 1779, Clinton expanded on Dunmore’s actions and issued the Philipsburg Proclamation, which promised protection and freedom to all enslaved people in the colonies who escaped from their patriot masters. Black men captured fighting for the enemy, however, would be sold into bondage.

Detailed explanation-4: -Freedom from slavery could be granted, purchased, or earned by means of escape. An individual who was “given his time” achieved an “unofficial” freedom. Thomas Jefferson granted freedom to seven enslaved men.

Detailed explanation-5: -In 1775, Lord Dunmore, Royal Governor of Virginia, issued his Proclamation that promised freedom to any enslaved person who joined the British army.

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