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 12/01/09 Todays Agenda: 1. Pre-Class & Roll 2. Notes 3. Final Thoughts & HW Todays 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 powerhouse a) 100s of millions people under their control b) Vast resources, huge navy, army, etc. Britains 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 Washingtons 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 isnt 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 isnt 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 Thoughts Tonights 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