MS NISHA

1776

People living in British colonies began
a war to become independent of
Britain.
A Declaration of Independence was
read to representatives from all the
colonies.
Among other things, it accused the
British King of violating the rights of
life and liberties
 
This was declaration over slavery itself.
But representatives of the slavery from
southern colonies where slavery was
most widespread, refused to sign if this
sentence was included.
The colonies had to be united to beat
the British , so it was dropped
Source A


 Fighting for Liberty

Black people took part in the early uprisings
against British.
But soon it became clear that the rebels did
not want black people fight, even if they had
been in army before.
The British on the other hand, asked black
people to join them in return for their own
freedom.
 
About 100 slaves joined the British.
Washington now changed his mind. He said
black men who had previously served in the
army could re enlist.
About 5000 black men fought on the
American side.
Most of them were free northern blacks,
rather than runaway slaves. Many of them
were later praised for their bravery in battle.
 Things to do

Why might some people in America in 1776
have been surprised by what is said in Source
A?
Do you think the constitution set up after the
war of Independence was really based on
what is said in Source A?
Re-write Frederick Douglass speech in your
own words?