pre-class 12/01/09 why was the system of slavery so important to the american colonies? (3 lines)...
TRANSCRIPT
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