Common people shape History: African Americans

Monica Prado, Tanya Briseno, Victor Torres P. 1

A number of slaves in Virginia Faced off against their masters slavery altered all political acts

The Promise and the Panic of 75

gathered to voice their discontent When presented the grievances, Dunmore defended actions Crowd reappeared and threatened retribution If any harm should come to a British official, he pronounced, he would declare Freedom to the Slaves, and reduce the City of Williamsburg to Ashes.

Revolutionary politics of the South For the slaves Revolution brought hope References to freedom and slavery Some slaves found way to freedom

Revolutionary Politics

Revolutionaries-panicked They feared slaves who entertained ideas, that the present contest was for obligating us to give them their liberty They feared the British, who have been tampering with our Negroes; and all for the glorious purpose of enticing them to cut their masters throats while they are asleep.

 Fear and rumors Masters had real cause for concern Acting on a rumor- of and intended insurrection of the Negroes against the whole people Promising to reimburse the owners of any Negro who shall be killed or Disabled in consequence of this Resolve.

Rumors

All slaves suffered Despite dangers, some sought to return to the Revolution

Slave Suffrages

Slave Trials/Bio 1

The Sheep stealer

December of 1775 Slave who name was not recorded tried guilty for sheep stealing Punishable by death sentence: burning of the hand

Jeremiah Bio 2

Jeremiah Free black Tried for exporting Weapons to Negroes Unjust trial Hanged and burned. Suspected whites exiled, hounded, tarred, or feathered. Black deaths>whites; some freed themselves

Lord Dunmore [Servants, Negroes, and others may join HIS MAJESTYS TROOPS in the Kings honor] Dunmore aka King Of Slaves Slaves eager to escape Dunmores proclamation shook society

Liberty to Slaves

Proclamation publicized for Anti-sentiment Media wrote slaves running to Dunmore; scaring whites Patriots wanted slaves to stay with their masters John Pages appeal; slave owners tried to convince slaves not to leave

Dunmores proclamation gained slaves Williamsburg wrote of Dunmores army Uniforms read Liberty to Slaves.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Newspapers statements made slaves in captivity Dunmore offered to [arm] refugee slaves as fast as they came in Sending slaves to Britain ships for food

Liberty to Slaves

Obstacles Reaching Dunmore

Getting to Dunmore extremely difficult

Captured=resold, bought, sent to work again; few committed suicide

Punished For Leaving

Establishment of sick house

Troubles Reaching Dunmore

Limited Space

pest houses Council of Safety ordered attack

One Attack After Another

Patriots planned attack posed as Indians Attacked Tybee island Brutal acts worse than Indians