Slavery in the American Revolution

Jul 27, 2024

Slavery in the American Revolution and Beyond

Context and Global Influence

  • Atlantic Slave System: Slavery in the U.S. was part of a larger Atlantic system.
  • Global Conflicts and Influence: America's War of Independence was influenced by Europe’s 7 Years War (1756-1763) and predicted revolutions in France, Haiti, and Latin America.
  • International Dynamics: U.S. independence was aided by France, Spain, and Holland – all of whom had slave colonies and were involved in the Atlantic slave system.

Consequences of 1763 to 1825 Wars

  • Expansion of Slavery: Defeat of French (1763) and U.S. independence (1783) led to westward expansion and increased slavery in regions like Kentucky and Tennessee.
  • Decline of Spanish Influence: Post-independence, Spain's influence declined, leading to revolutions and independence throughout Latin America by 1825.
  • British Dominance: By 1825, Britain and the U.S. had outlawed their Atlantic slave trades. Only southern routes to Brazil remained, but illegal slave trade persisted.

Early Abolition Movements

  • Early Anti-Slavery Sentiments: By 1825, slavery had been outlawed in Haiti, Central America, Mexico, and parts of the northern U.S. Gradual emancipation laws reduced slaves in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
  • Britain and Other Powers: Various treaties and British efforts led to the decline of legal slave trades, though slavery remained strong in Brazil, Cuba, southern U.S., and other regions.

Military Use of Slaves

  • Black Military Involvement: Arming of black troops in regions like the Caribbean and through British forces helped maintain plantation regimes but also contributed to anti-slavery sentiments.
  • Ideological Influence: Enlightenment and religious revivalism challenged slavery on ideological grounds, and American Revolution rhetoric provided new perspectives to slaves on freedom and natural rights.

American Revolution and Slavery

  • Contradictions: American rhetoric of freedom contrasted sharply with the practice of slavery, leading to moral and ideological dilemmas.
  • British Tactics: During the Revolution, both Patriots and the British attempted to enlist black soldiers, promising freedom, which had varying degrees of success and impact on slavery.
  • Post-War Developments: British evacuation led to a significant loss of slaves in southern states and influenced future U.S. slavery policies.
  • Emancipation and Legal Changes: The closing decades of the 18th century saw various legal moves towards gradual emancipation in northern states, and eventual federal prohibition of the slave trade in 1808.

Legacy and Ideological Impact

  • Abolitionist Movements: Ideals of liberty and equality from the Revolutionary period fueled future abolitionist movements and influenced key historical figures like David Walker and Abraham Lincoln.
  • Northern and Southern Divide: Emergence of Free Soil in the North and continued slavery in the South created an ominous division that would lead to future conflicts.
  • Founding Fathers' Views: Many founding fathers saw slavery as a national problem but often postponed decisive action, leading to complex politics around the issue.

Conclusion

  • Revolutionary Gains: Immediate abolition in some northern regions, commitment to gradual emancipation elsewhere, and a legacy of revolutionary ideals challenging the concept of racial slavery.
  • Long-term Impact: Popularization of ideas of individual freedom and natural rights among black communities, sparking future movements toward equality and justice.