 African Americans had a lot of involvement in the war because fighting in the war meant freedom  In 1775 the Continental Army was ordered to discharge all African American soldiers and not permit any others to enlist  Shortly after, the Royal Government of Virginia promised to free any enslaved person who joined the British army – this caused many American slaves to cross over and fight for the British cause

 In an effort to get African American soldiers back on the side of the Americans, the Continental Congress reversed it’s policy and allowed African Americans to enlist  Jehu Grant was an African American slave who joined the American Army out of fear of his master. He feared that he would be made to serve on a British ship.  He served the Americans for 10 months and was granted freedom.  He later got married and started a family DIED -“In Milton, on the 25 th, Jehu Grant, a coloured man aged 102 years, a soldier of the Revolution and for many years a member of the church”

 Many Native Americans tried to remain neutral during the Revolutionary War, but just as many joined the British side  The Native Americans knew that the Americans opposed the Royal Proclamation of 1763 Why?

 British encouraged the Native Americans to attack settlements on the frontier  Provided weapons and ammunition  The Cherokee were given orders to raid Virginia, Georgia and Carolina  As a result, many state militia did not have to fight against the British soldiers – good/bad?

Joseph Brant  Mohawk Chief who led four of the six Nations against the Americans  Skillfully led several successful attacks against the Americans  Won a formidable reputation after the raid on the village of Cherry Valley, New York  Brant was an intelligent fighter and brought a lot of fear and destruction wherever he went

 General Washington eventually sent troops to destroy the Iroquois confederation (6 Nations)  They succeeded

Lake Ontario

 Raised money to properly equip the troops and maintained farms and business’ on the home front  Served as cooks, maids and nurses in the war  Many accompanied their husbands or a man in general and personally served them as a cook, maid, nurse etc  Often served as secret agents, supplying information about British positions and plans  they would eavesdrop on conversations when cooking or cleaning

 Fought in the ranks carrying water to gunners during the battle of Mon-mouth  In 1778 she saw her husband fall, which at that point she took his place at the cannon  It’s speculated today that Molly Pitcher may not have been an actual person, but a general term for all women who fought alongside men in the war.

 Disguised herself as a man and enlisted in a Massachusetts regiment  Served in the army for 17 months as Robert Shurtliff  Eventually was seriously wounded and was discharged from the army

Write a supported opinion response on: Often times in history certain groups are forgotten about, why do you think it’s important to learn about all the various contributions? Use facts, prior knowledge and/or modern day concepts to form an opinion. Write no less than ONE paragraph and no more than THREE.