The Land of the “Free” On July 4th, 1776, a document entitled the Declaration of Independence was signed by the Continental Congress. The document declared the independence of the United States of America and stated ideals that the colonists believed were important, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Throughout the course of the Revolutionary War, the black community wanted to fight for freedom just like any white man would. Officers like Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens wanted to give them that opportunity, even creating several Negro battalions to fight with the Patriots in exchange for freedom. The Patriots were warned that if they did not offer the black community freedom, Britain would. After an eight-year battle
