Argument Essay: The Great American Revolution

The great American Revolution, taken place in the 18th century, was a political upheaval that removed ties between the thirteen North American Colonies and Great Britain. This led to the development of the United States of America. During this revolutionary war, the enslaved African Americans were denied their freedom from the nation who was at the time, also seeking independence themselves. The Declaration of Independence, composed by an American Founding Father and third President Thomas Jefferson, promised the liberty of all men. But “all men” however did not include the African Americans of the colonies and therefore failed to abolish slavery completely. This contradiction and disencouragement for many blacks, resulted in many slaves …show more content…
But for the many others that were still enslaved, a new opportunity awaited. Before the war, the British leaders purposely recruited slaves belonging to Patriot masters, as they knew that colonies would be notably weakened by a rebellion of slaves against their masters. In 1775, Virginia’s royal governor, Lord Dunmore, promised freedom to all male runaway slaves who were willing to take up arms and serve for “His Majesty’s crown and dignity” and instead of the American cause. Those who fought for the British cause would be freed after the War if still remaining on their side. They were also told, more or less, that in addition to liberation, they would be given land and self-government. Within a month of Dunmore’s proclamation, 300 black slaves had joined his “Ethiopian Regiment”. Between 3000 to 4000 African slaves had signed their names in his ledger, but only around 800 eventually succeeded in being enlisted in Dunmore’s regiment. Dunmore’s regiment, however, also inspired thousands of slaves to escape bondage and to give allegiance to the British throughout the course of the