November 7, 1775
Lord Dunmore's Proclamation was the first emancipation of slaves in the history of America.Lord Dunmore's Proclamation was the first emancipation of slaves in the history of America.
He was a Scottish peer and colonial governor in the American colonies and became royal governor of the Colony of Virginia on 25 September 1771. He is also noted for Lord Dunmore's Proclamation, also known as Lord Dunmore's Offer of Emancipation. Dated 7 November 1775, but proclaimed a week later, Dunmore thereby formally offered freedom to slaves who abandoned their Patriot masters to join the British.
Lord Dunmore
The emancipation of slaves or indentured servants who joined the British army.
Lord Dunmore, the last royal governor of Virginia, promised freedom to enslaved men who joined the British forces in their fight against the American revolutionaries. In his 1775 proclamation, he offered liberty to any enslaved individual who would escape and fight for the British. This promise aimed to undermine the colonial economy and bolster British troops, while also providing enslaved people an opportunity for emancipation. Dunmore's offer significantly influenced many enslaved individuals' decisions during the war.
The promise of freedom to any able bodied male slave who enlisted in the cause of restoring royal athority
Promised freedom to slaves that joined the British cause
Lord Dunmore
Lord Dunmore's Proclamation was the first emancipation of slaves in the history of America.Lord Dunmore's Proclamation was the first emancipation of slaves in the history of America.
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He was a Scottish peer and colonial governor in the American colonies and became royal governor of the Colony of Virginia on 25 September 1771. He is also noted for Lord Dunmore's Proclamation, also known as Lord Dunmore's Offer of Emancipation. Dated 7 November 1775, but proclaimed a week later, Dunmore thereby formally offered freedom to slaves who abandoned their Patriot masters to join the British.
Lord Dunmore
Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, encouraged indentured servants and Black slaves to join the British Army by promising them freedom in exchange for their service. In his 1775 proclamation, he offered emancipation to any enslaved person who fought for the British, appealing to their desire for liberty and a better future. This strategy aimed to undermine the colonial rebellion by drawing on the discontent of enslaved individuals and indentured servants, thus bolstering British military strength. The promise of freedom was a powerful incentive that attracted many to enlist.
The emancipation of slaves or indentured servants who joined the British army.
Lord Dunmore, the last royal governor of Virginia, promised freedom to enslaved men who joined the British forces in their fight against the American revolutionaries. In his 1775 proclamation, he offered liberty to any enslaved individual who would escape and fight for the British. This promise aimed to undermine the colonial economy and bolster British troops, while also providing enslaved people an opportunity for emancipation. Dunmore's offer significantly influenced many enslaved individuals' decisions during the war.
Some slaves left their "masters" to join the British loyalists in order to gain their freedom. Some were freed and actually taken to Britain and Canada after the War of Independence.
Lord Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment fought wearing uniforms bearing the motto Liberty to Slaves.