Pre-Class 12/01/09 Why was the system of slavery so important to the

American colonies? (3 lines)

Create a list in your notes that describes slavery in the North vs. South (3 items for each list). How were the two different?

Grab a book when you have finished you pre-class. Open to page 123.

Welcome 12/01/09Today’s Agenda:

1.Pre-Class & Roll2.Notes3.Final Thoughts & HW

Today’s Objectives:

1.To learn about the role that African Americans played in revolutionary war.

2.To learn how African American Slaves became a wartime commodity

Big Ideas for Understanding the Revolution

Size Matters: 1. Make no mistake – the US was outgunned

a) 2.5 Million people ( approx. 600,000 slaves) b) US public was split into Patriots and Loyalists (loyal to

England)

1. British Empire – a GLOBAL powerhousea) 100s of millions people under their controlb) Vast resources, huge navy, army, etc.

Britain’s Advantages: Size, loyalists, resources US Advantages: Home turf, guerilla warfare But what about the slaves?

“The Empire on which the sun never sets.”

When fighting broke out George Washington forbade enlistment of black

soldiers into the continental army?

Why do you think he would do this?Make a list of 3 reasons with a partner

1 minute go!

When fighting broke out George Washington forbade enlistment of black

soldiers into the continental army?

1. Patriot leaders (founding fathers) feared that African American soldiers would inspire others to leave their masters

illegally to fight

2.Southern slave owners feared armed black men would upset the “social order.”

What social order?

REMEMBER US was a slave supporting nation! US stood on the brink of becoming an independent

and slave holding nation.

African American patriot soldiers became a symbol of a new era: A symbol protecting the ideas set out in the D of I were

these ideas meant to apply to slaves? US concerned with winning the war, not slave freedom

The Problem: Potential to disrupt the slavery system Slaves will leave to fight Armed slaves – loss of control, fear of black slaves

with guns Huge fear of this in the south – why?

US bans African American Soldiers

How can Britain take advantage of George Washington’s ban?

Turn and talk 30 seconds…

US bans, while Britain recruits Lord Dunmore

Gov. of Virginia Promises freedom to

slaves who choose to fight for Britain

Effects: Huge number of Blacks

become loyalists “Fight for Freedom” Idea Psychological Impact

Page 124

“If that man Dunmore isn’t crushed before the Spring he will become the most dangerous man in America. His strength will increase like a snowball

running down a hill. Success will depend on which side can arm the Negro faster.”

General George Washington 1775

What does he mean by “his strength will increase like a snowball?” Explain what Washington is talking about.

“If that man Dunmore isn’t crushed before the Spring he will become the most dangerous man in America. His strength will increase like a snowball

running down a hill. Success will depend on which side can arm the Negro faster.”

General George Washington 1775

He begins recruiting African Americans a month after Dunmore.African American slaves suddenly become a commodity (an advantage)

to be controlled.

George Washington Reverses his Ban Black soldiers were allowed into the Continental

Army, and various colonial militias (local armies)

New England Colonies– recruit heavily Southern Colonies (South Carolina and Georgia)

– ban black soldiers Most slaves were brought in to replace their

masters in the continental army Freedom was not ensured, some reached

personal agreements with their masters *Only Maryland exchanged service for

freedom

Final ThoughtsTonight’s HW:Look over your notes from today and answer the

following questions:1)Why were a majority of the slave-involved battles

in the North? (Look on page 124 for a map.) Give 2 reasons.

2)Why did the US want to avoid slave involvement in the war at first?

3)Explain how slaves become a “commodity” in the war?

4)Why was Britian/Loyalists more effective at using the slave population in war?

5 lines per answer