How did the American Revolution affect African-Americans?

Answer 1

Answer 1

Before the American Revolution, African-Americans had NO chance of freedom. They were being shipped as slaves along the triangle trade route , but after the revolution the question was discussed of abolishing slavery in the Constitutional Convention and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Due to the fact that it was such a touchy issue for the south and due to the large economic impact of abolishing slavery, the question was thrown out and a provision was placed in the US Constitution that wouldn't let ANY laws on slavery be passed or even discussed for at least 20 years. Moreover, many of the American Revolutionary Generals were slave owners in the first place and were reluctant to give up their own personal wealth.

Answer 2

The effect of the American Revolutionary War on African-Americans depended on where they lived. If they were slaves in the New England States, they were freed soon after the war ended. If they were slaves north of the Mason Dixon Line, they were freed about 30 years after the adoption of the constitution. If they were south of the Mason Dixon Line, some were freed but most were not prior to the US Civil War.

Answer 3

Slavery was also outlawed on mainland Britain, meaning that no man could land on British soil without being free. The British had promised many African-Americans their freedom from the colonists if they fought for the British, and around 20,000 of them did. When the British lost, they attempted to honor their agreement as much as possible by helping African-Americans travel to England and London with the retreating redcoats. Some were even put ashore in Africa at their own request. Therefore many African-Americans clearly felt that their chances of freedom were better with the Brits.