T8+-+6.4A

T8 - 6.4A Hannah Gang, Sarah Krieger (African Americans Join the Fight)

Intro:
“Liberty Seekers” By: Hannah Gang and Sarah Krieger

“How is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?”- Samuel Johnson, the great English writer.

“Realizing that loyalty was not to a place or a people, but to a principle” - Benjamin Quarles, American Historian.

The Liberty Seekers are the ones who thrive to gain liberty and freedom from slavery. Can you guess who these silent rebels are? They realize that the only way to gain freedom is to fight for it. The African American population was filled with slaves, but also fighters. These people fight along side the people that cause them so much pain and suffering. Many believe that if it weren’t for the help from the African Americans, they might not have even gained liberty. Whether they’re on the Loyalist side, or the Patriots, the African Americans fought for our freedom from the British just as much as the Americans did themselves. Even the African American women did their part in this grand battle for liberty and peace.  The African Americans help out in the revolutionary war in more than one way. They fight for the freedom that they want so badly. They believe that if the Patriots gain so much, they should too. Although George Washington banned the joining of African Americans at first, they were soon allowed to join because the Patriots were losing soldiers. The African Americans even took part in other events such as the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre. In the Boston Massacre, the African Americans fought in the crowd against the British soldiers. Crispus Attucks, a famous African American, was believed to be the first person shot and killed in the Boston Massacre. In the Boston Tea Party, the African Americans took part on the side of the Patriots and the Loyalists. They fought in almost every battle or big event known in history. The African Americans had a big part in the revolution that started it all.

This war has led to discontent among the people of the Americas, particularly those of African descent. Active guerilla bands including the most well known led by Colonel Tye, have been wreaking havoc throughout New Jersey and New York. Meanwhile, both sides, British and Patriot, are actively recruiting slaves by luring them into arms with the promise of freedom in return for their service. It is estimated that up to 100,000 slaves will have escaped their masters, died or been killed in combat by the end of the war. About 5000 Africans from every colony except Georgia and South Carolina.  With so many slaves and free black men fighting alongside the white colonial soldiers, one may wonder about the motives of the leaders of this flight to battle. Many of the inspired fighters are honoring the first martyr of the war, fugitive slave Crispus Attucks. He was the first shot dead in the Boston Massacre. In addition, many depleted troops are offering coveted freedom to slaves in exchange for their service. Originally, this was only offered by the British, but by the end of the episode at Valley Forge, General Washington was forced to employ similar methods. In a war we white colonists are so eager to fight for our freedom, should we not fight for the blacks’ too? Some of the soldiers aren’t there to help any side win this war, only for their own motives, to achieve equality and the freedoms that they feel are their rights. It is certain that this war will be diverse, and unlike any other seen before. But if we win because of the help of these people, do we owe them something in return?  These liberty seekers did so much in the success of America’s freedom. Slavery will still likely be in play until someone steps up. The African Americans do so many things during this time period. Many of the men serve in battle and fight alongside the whites. The women heal, cook, and clean for the wounded or injured soldiers. Some women dress up as men to fight in the war. At first, the African Americans had trouble getting into the war, but they were eventually welcomed with open arms by George Washington and the British.