Summary of African Americans in the Revolutionary War
Unsung heroes: Discover the untold stories of African Americans in the Revolution.
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Upgrade to ProAfrican Americans in the Revolutionary War in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Crispus Attucks
Peter Salem
James Armistead Lafayette
Salem Poor
African Americans Join the War Effort
The First Rhode Island Regiment
Peter Salem and Salem Poor
Spies and Informants
The Black Loyalists
The Siege of Yorktown
The Legacy of African American Patriots
Recognition and Remembrance
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: African Americans played a significant role in the Revolutionary War.
- When: 1775-1783
- Who: Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem, James Armistead
- Outcome: Contributed to the fight for American independence and highlighted the contradictions of slavery in a nation fighting for freedom.
Famous Figures in the African Americans in the Revolutionary War
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Crispus Attucks
Crispus Attucks was the first person killed in the Boston Massacre and is considered one of the first casualties of the American Revolutionary War.
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Peter Salem
Peter Salem was a former slave who became a notable soldier in the American Revolutionary War, particularly known for his role in the Battle of Bunker Hill.
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Salem Poor
Salem Poor was an African American soldier who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill and was praised for his bravery and skill.
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Prince Whipple
Prince Whipple was an enslaved African American who fought alongside General William Whipple during the Revolutionary War.
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James Armistead Lafayette
James Armistead Lafayette was an enslaved African American who served as a spy during the Revolutionary War, providing valuable information to the Continental Army.
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Lemuel Haynes
Lemuel Haynes was an African American soldier and minister who fought in the Revolutionary War and later became a prominent writer and abolitionist.
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Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley was a former slave who became the first published African American poet and her works gained recognition both in America and Europe.
Timeline of African Americans in the Revolutionary War
Crispus Attucks is killed in the Boston Massacre, becoming the first casualty of the American Revolution
Lord Dunmore's Proclamation offers freedom to enslaved African Americans who join the British Army
Peter Salem fights at the Battle of Bunker Hill and is credited with shooting British Major John Pitcairn
Lemuel Haynes, a free African American, joins the colonial militia in Massachusetts
Prince Whipple serves as a bodyguard for General William Whipple during the Battle of Saratoga
James Armistead Lafayette acts as a spy for the Continental Army and provides crucial intelligence to General Lafayette
The 1st Rhode Island Regiment, comprised primarily of African American soldiers, distinguishes itself at the Battle of Rhode Island
Colonel Tye leads a group of escaped slaves known as the Black Brigade in raids against British forces in New Jersey
Esther de Berdt Reed forms the Ladies Association of Philadelphia to raise funds for the Continental Army, including for African American soldiers
The 1st South Carolina Regiment, a unit of African American soldiers, fights in the Battle of Camden
The 1st Rhode Island Regiment fights at the Battle of Yorktown
The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War
Many African American soldiers are not granted the promised freedom and face discrimination and hardship after the war
The Haitian Revolution begins, inspired in part by the ideals of the American Revolution
Richard Allen founds the African Methodist Episcopal Church, providing a place of worship and community for African Americans
Prince Hall establishes the first African American Masonic lodge in the United States
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 is passed, allowing slaveowners to recapture escaped slaves even in free states
Phillis Wheatley, a former slave, publishes her book of poetry, becoming the first African American author to do so
The United States Constitution is ratified, enshrining the institution of slavery and denying full rights to African Americans
Tenskwatawa, also known as the Prophet, inspires a Native American confederacy to resist American expansion in the Northwest Territory
Vocabulary List
- Crispus Attucks
- Crispus Attucks, an African American sailor, was the first person killed in the Boston Massacre, which became a symbol of African American resistance against British tyranny.
- Peter Salem
- Peter Salem, a free African American, fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he was credited with shooting the British officer Major John Pitcairn.
- Salem Poor
- Salem Poor, an African American soldier, distinguished himself at the Battle of Breed's Hill (Bunker Hill) in 1775, leading to a petition for his bravery to the Massachusetts legislature.
- Prince Hall
- Prince Hall, a free African American and prominent abolitionist, was instrumental in the establishment of the African Lodge No. 1, the first Black Masonic Lodge in America.
- James Armistead Lafayette
- James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved African American, served as a spy during the Revolutionary War, providing crucial intelligence to the Continental Army and earning his freedom.
- Lemuel Haynes
- Lemuel Haynes, an African American preacher and soldier, fought in the Revolutionary War and later became one of the first ordained African American ministers in the United States.
- Phillis Wheatley
- Phillis Wheatley, an African American poet and slave, gained recognition for her poetry, becoming the first published African American female author in the United States.
- Black Loyalists
- Black Loyalists were African Americans who sided with the British during the Revolutionary War, seeking freedom and protection in exchange for their service.
- Black Patriots
- Black Patriots were African Americans who fought for the American cause during the Revolutionary War, despite facing discrimination and unequal treatment.
- Continental Army
- The Continental Army, led by General George Washington, was the main army of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, including African American soldiers.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Approximately 5,000 African Americans served as soldiers in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
- Some African Americans served as spies, guides, and laborers for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
- Crispus Attucks, an African American, was the first casualty of the American Revolution during the Boston Massacre.
- Many African Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War were promised their freedom in exchange for their service.
- Some African Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War were able to gain their freedom as a result of their service.
- African Americans fought on both the American and British sides during the Revolutionary War.
- The British offered freedom to enslaved African Americans who joined their side during the Revolutionary War.
- African American soldiers faced discrimination and unequal treatment in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
- Peter Salem, an African American soldier, fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill and is credited with killing British Major John Pitcairn.
- James Armistead Lafayette, an African American spy, provided crucial intelligence to the Continental Army that helped secure victory at the Battle of Yorktown.
- Many African American soldiers fought bravely and with distinction during the Revolutionary War, despite facing discrimination and prejudice.
- Prince Whipple, an African American enslaved man, served as General William Whipple's aide during the Revolutionary War and was present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
- Despite the promise of freedom, many African American soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War were not granted their freedom after the war ended.
- African American women also played important roles during the Revolutionary War, serving as nurses, cooks, and laundresses for both the Continental Army and British forces.
- Many African American soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War were veterans of earlier conflicts, such as the French and Indian War.
- African American soldiers faced the risk of being captured and returned to slavery if they were captured by British forces during the Revolutionary War.
- Some African American soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War were granted pensions or land grants for their service, while others struggled to receive compensation for their service.
- Many African American soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War were from the northern states, where slavery was less common than in the southern states.
- African American soldiers faced harsh conditions and inadequate supplies while serving in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
- The contributions of African Americans to the American Revolution have often been overlooked or marginalized in historical accounts of the war.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The involvement of African Americans in the Revolutionary War had immediate consequences on the battlefield. Their contributions helped secure crucial victories for the American forces and played a significant role in the outcome of the war. Despite facing discrimination and unequal treatment, their bravery and dedication were instrumental in the fight for American independence.
Long-Term Impact
The participation of African Americans in the Revolutionary War had a lasting impact on the struggle for equality and civil rights. Their service highlighted the hypocrisy of fighting for freedom while denying it to others based on race. This pivotal moment in history laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all Americans.
Cultural Significance Today
The legacy of African Americans in the Revolutionary War continues to be remembered and celebrated today. Their sacrifices and contributions are honored as part of the broader narrative of American history. The courage and resilience demonstrated by these individuals serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality in our society.
African Americans in the Revolutionary War Games
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