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The Hidden History: The Slaves, the British, and the American Revolution

Joseph Heller

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Published in Rough Crossings: The Slaves The British And The American Revolution

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Unveiling the Untold Story

The American Revolution is often portrayed as a struggle between the colonists and the British Crown, with little mention of the significant role played by enslaved Africans.

In his groundbreaking book, "The Slaves, the British, and the American Revolution," historian Alan Taylor uncovers the hidden history of these forgotten heroes. Drawing on extensive research, Taylor reveals how enslaved Africans fought on both sides of the conflict, provided crucial intelligence, and shaped the outcome of the war in unexpected ways.

Rough Crossings: The Slaves, the British, and the American Revolution

by Simon Schama

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1301 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	478 pages

Slavery and the Revolution

At the outbreak of the Revolution, slavery was deeply entrenched in the American colonies. Over 500,000 enslaved Africans lived in the colonies, constituting about 20% of the total population.

As the war raged, both the British and the colonists sought to exploit the labor and loyalty of enslaved Africans. The British promised freedom to slaves who joined their ranks, while the colonists feared that arming slaves would lead to a dangerous uprising.

African American Soldiers

Despite the risks, thousands of enslaved Africans joined the fight for independence. Some were motivated by the promise of freedom, while others sought to strike a blow against the system of slavery that had oppressed them for generations.

African American soldiers fought in every major battle of the Revolution, from Bunker Hill to Yorktown. They served in both the Continental Army and the British forces, demonstrating their courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

Intelligence and Espionage

Beyond their military contributions, enslaved Africans also played a vital role in intelligence gathering and espionage.

Their intimate knowledge of the land and their ability to move freely between enemy lines made them invaluable sources of information for both sides. They provided the Continental Army with crucial intelligence about British troop movements, supply routes, and the location of loyalist sympathizers.

The Impact of Slavery

The American Revolution had a profound impact on the institution of slavery.

The war provided a catalyst for the abolitionist movement, as many Americans began to question the morality of slavery in light of the sacrifices made by African American soldiers.

However, the Revolution also strengthened the institution of slavery in some ways. The need for labor to support the war effort led to an increase in the slave trade, and the war's aftermath saw the expansion of slavery in the newly acquired territories.

A Complex Legacy

The role of enslaved Africans in the American Revolution is a complex and multifaceted story.

Their contributions to the war effort and their impact on the institution of slavery continue to be debated by historians and scholars.

Alan Taylor's "The Slaves, the British, and the American Revolution" is an essential read for anyone who seeks to understand the full story of America's founding.

The story of the enslaved Africans who fought in the American Revolution is a tale of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

Their contributions to the war effort were instrumental in securing the victory for independence, and their struggle for freedom paved the way for the abolition of slavery in the United States.

By uncovering their hidden history, Alan Taylor has shed new light on the American Revolution and inspired us to reconsider the role of race and slavery in our nation's founding.

Free Download your copy of "The Slaves, the British, and the American Revolution" today and delve into this captivating chapter of American history.

Rough Crossings: The Slaves, the British, and the American Revolution

by Simon Schama

4.4 out of 5