African Americans' Roles in the American Revolutionary War

African Americans, both free and enslaved, served in the American and British armies as armed troops and as laborers known as "pioneers."

In many places, slaves were offered freedom if they agreed to fight for the British.  Large numbers of slaves deserted their plantations, particularly in the lowcountry.  But as far as the backcountry, in the case of the Bratton's slave Watt, some felt like their loyalty was to the family that owned them.

Illustrations.

• Black Loyalist
• Black Pioneer (Painting by Bob Graham, Charleston, SC)

Standards

• 4-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the conflict between the American colonies and England.
  • Revolutions result from resistance to conditions that are perceived as unfair by the people who are demanding change. The changes brought about by revolution can be both positive and negative. To understand the results of the conflict between the Amer...
    • 4-3.3 Summarize the importance of the key battles of the Revolutionary War and the reasons for American victories including Lexington and Concord, Bunker (Breed’s) Hill, Charleston, Saratoga, Cowpens, and Yorktown.
• 8-2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes of the American Revolution and the beginnings of the new nation, with an emphasis on South Carolina’s role in the development of that nation.
  • The events surrounding the American Revolution transformed British colonists into American citizens. To understand South Carolina’s pivotal role in this process, the student will utilize the knowledge and skills set forth in the following indica...
    • 8-2.1 Explain the political and economic consequences of the French and Indian War on the relationship of the South Carolina colonists with Native Americans and England.