Reference no: EM133658667

Question

The Revolutionary war was a period in time that offered multiple challenges and opportunities for slaves that took part in either side of the war. One major opportunity that arose for slaves was the opportunity to earn their freedom from enslavement. The British were more inclined toward freeing the slaves as long as they aided them in the war, while the Colonists did not share the same enthusiasm as the British. The British sentiment could be seen in the Dunmore Proclamation which was created with the goal of motivating slaves with the opportunity of earning their freedom by joining the British efforts during the Revolutionary war

1. Aside from earning their freedom, another opportunity that arose from the war was their new ability to migrate by choice to other parts of the world. After the war, some newly freed African Loyalists would emigrate to Sierra Leone in the west coast of Africa, Canada, and England

2. In contrast to the African Loyalists, African Patriots that were emancipated and honorably discharged would return to the plantations to enjoy the commodities offered to them by their previous master.

3. As the British exited the Colonies, African loyalists would be persecuted by revolutionaries with the intent of returning them to their owners. It was not be uncommon for African loyalists to suffer from distress or sleep deprivation due to revolutionaries abducting them from the streets or their place of residence

4. Another challenge that the end of the war presented toward newly freed slaves and free black men was an increase in identity based on skin color. Which would lead to ideas such as white skin equated to freedom and power while black skin color was associated with servile status5. These ideas appeared evident through the unfortunate fact that not all slaves that fought alongside the Patriots were offered their freedom, due to Revolutionists viewing them as inferior. Reply to thread.