Podcast
Questions and Answers
The American Revolution aimed for independence and freedom, but Black Americans were excluded from the promise of ______.
The American Revolution aimed for independence and freedom, but Black Americans were excluded from the promise of ______.
freedom
An estimated ______ to 8,000 Black people served in the American army during the war.
An estimated ______ to 8,000 Black people served in the American army during the war.
5,000
Crispus Attucks is considered the first person killed during the revolutionary cause during the ______ Massacre.
Crispus Attucks is considered the first person killed during the revolutionary cause during the ______ Massacre.
Boston
Lord Dunmore issued a proclamation offering freedom to enslaved Black people who would fight for the ______.
Lord Dunmore issued a proclamation offering freedom to enslaved Black people who would fight for the ______.
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The Ethiopian Regiment fought in the Battle of Great Bridge but ultimately ______.
The Ethiopian Regiment fought in the Battle of Great Bridge but ultimately ______.
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Approximately ______ men fought for the British army, hoping for a better chance at emancipation.
Approximately ______ men fought for the British army, hoping for a better chance at emancipation.
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George Washington was initially reluctant to allow Black men to serve in the ______.
George Washington was initially reluctant to allow Black men to serve in the ______.
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Black Americans played vital roles in key battles, such as the Battle of ______ Hill.
Black Americans played vital roles in key battles, such as the Battle of ______ Hill.
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The choice of fighting for one side or another during the Revolution was a strategic decision based on the pursuit of ______.
The choice of fighting for one side or another during the Revolution was a strategic decision based on the pursuit of ______.
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Peter Salem, Seasor, Pharaoh, Salem Poor, and Barzillai Lew fought for the American side during the Battle of ______ Hill.
Peter Salem, Seasor, Pharaoh, Salem Poor, and Barzillai Lew fought for the American side during the Battle of ______ Hill.
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Study Notes
The American Revolution and Black Americans
- The video draws a parallel between the American colonists’ grievances against Great Britain and the plight of Black people in colonial America, both facing oppressive systems and lack of representation.
- While the American Revolution aimed for independence and freedom, Black Americans were excluded from the promise of freedom, despite their significant contributions during the war.
- An estimated 5,000 to 8,000 Black people served in the American army during the war, some forced into service, others willingly hoping for recognition of their rights.
- Additionally, approximately 20,000 Black men fought for the British army, believing their victory offered a better chance at emancipation.
- Crispus Attucks, a Black man, is considered the first person killed during the revolutionary cause, tragically losing his life during the Boston Massacre.
- Attucks was a runaway slave, likely of both African and Native American descent, he joined a crowd confronting British troops, and accounts vary on whether he was actively confrontational or simply a bystander during the incident.
- The Boston Massacre escalated tensions between the colonists and the British, becoming a catalyst for the American Revolution.
- Other Black Americans played vital roles in key battles, like Peter Salem, Seasor, Pharaoh, Salem Poor, and Barzillai Lew, who fought for the American side during the Battle of Bunker Hill.
- Despite the initial reluctance of George Washington, the Commander in Chief, the dwindling manpower of white colonists led him to eventually allow Black men to serve in the military.
- Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, issued a proclamation in 1775 offering freedom to enslaved Black people who would fight for the British, creating the Ethiopian Regiment composed of around 300 Black men.
- The Ethiopian Regiment fought in the Battle of Great Bridge but ultimately lost, highlighting the complexity of Black people's loyalty during the war.
- Rhode Island also offered freedom to enslaved Black men who joined their army.
- The video highlights the fact that for many enslaved Black people, the choice of fighting for one side or another during the Revolution was a strategic decision based on their pursuit of freedom.
- Despite the rhetoric of "liberty and justice for all," the American Revolution did not achieve large-scale freedom for Black people, and the emancipation of all enslaved Black people would not happen for another 80 years.
- The British promises of freedom to Black people were revoked with their defeat, leaving many Black loyalists vulnerable to re-enslavement or facing hardship even after fleeing to other British territories.
- The video emphasizes the significant contribution of Black people on both sides of the war and their ongoing pursuit of freedom, setting the stage for the complex relationship between military service and the promise of freedom for Black Americans throughout history.
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Description
Explore the complex role of Black Americans in the American Revolution through this quiz. Despite fighting for freedom, they faced significant exclusion from the ideals of independence. Learn about key figures like Crispus Attucks, as well as the contributions and struggles of Black soldiers in both the Continental and British armies.
