THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1775 1783
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE TEXT SIGNERS AND LEGACY
|
Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
|
|
|
They had excellent military skills.
|
|
|
They were generously paid to join the army.
|
|
|
They blamed Great Britain for their enslavement.
|
|
|
They hoped independence would lead to an end of slavery.
|
Detailed explanation-1: -In the American Revolution, gaining freedom was the strongest motive for Black enslaved people who joined the Patriot or British armies. It is estimated that 20, 000 African Americans joined the British cause, which promised freedom to enslaved people, as Black Loyalists.
Detailed explanation-2: -This changed at the state level as 1778 saw huge shortages in enlistments from local townships. To fill their quotas, they began allowing enslaved people and free African-Americans to enlist.
Detailed explanation-3: -During the American Revolution African American men, both enslaved and free fought in the Continental Army. Black soldiers served in mostly integrated units at this time. The First Rhode Island Regiment is the most famous regiment that included African Americans during the American Revolution.
Detailed explanation-4: -In 1778, the dwindling First Rhode Island Regiment needed men. The state’s assembly decided to recruit enslaved African Americans, offering them freedom in return for their service. The 225-man regiment eventually included 140 black soldiers, the highest proportion of any Continental Army unit.
Detailed explanation-5: -Throughout the 17th century, European settlers in North America turned to enslaved Africans as a cheaper, more plentiful labor source than indentured servants, who were mostly poor Europeans.