Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard history professor and author, joins the discussion to explore the role of enslaved individuals during the American War of Independence. She delves into their motivations, revealing many fought for the British in hopes of freedom. The conversation uncovers the harsh realities faced by black Loyalists post-war, emphasizing the broken promises of a new life in places like Canada. Maya also highlights the complex links between colonialism, slavery, and the fight for liberty, making the historical narrative both poignant and revealing.
The American Revolution was influenced by complex relationships between European powers and the unity of cause among the colonies based on the call for liberty and representation without taxation.
Black loyalists who fought for the British during the American Revolution faced inadequate treatment, including marginal living conditions, labor exploitation, and debt bondage.
Deep dives
The Role of George Washington in the American Revolution
George Washington, a Virginia planter and experienced commander, played a crucial role in leading the American Revolution. As the commander of the Continental Army, he led the fight against British Imperial rule. Despite differences in economic foundations and goals between the New England gentry and the Virginia planters, Washington's military leadership commanded loyalty and support. His presence helped unite the colonies in their push for independence.
The Ideological and Economic Context of the American Revolution
The American Revolution was influenced by the complex relationships and rivalries between various European powers, including Britain and France, in the Caribbean and North America. The colonies of the American continent, combined with the Caribbean colonies, produced lucrative cash crops like sugar and tobacco, relying on enslaved labor. As tensions grew over British Imperial rule and taxation, a unity of cause was formed among various regions and interests. The call for liberty and representation without taxation laid the ideological foundation for the revolution.
The Promises and Challenges Faced by Black Loyalists
During the American Revolution, black individuals had complex roles and faced different realities based on their choices. Some enslaved blacks ran to the British side, enticed by promises of freedom and land. However, these promises were not always fully realized. Black loyalists were often given less land, worse quality land, or land with conditions attached. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick received many black loyalists, but the treatment they received on the ground was often inadequate, with marginal living conditions, labor exploitation, and debt bondage. Black preachers and military veterans emerged as community leaders, advocating for their rights and lodging grievances with British authorities.
The Exodus of White Loyalists and Thomas Peters
In addition to black loyalists, around 60,000 white colonists who remained loyal to Britain fled to different parts of the British Empire. Some went to Britain, while others settled in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, the Bahamas, and Jamaica, among other places. These white loyalists brought with them around 30,000 enslaved individuals. Thomas Peters, an ex-slave from Nigeria, fought for the British as a sergeant in the black pioneers and later became a significant leader in the black loyalist community. Frustrated by the lack of response to their grievances, Peters organized a trip to England to personally appeal to the British authorities on behalf of the black loyalists.
The Boston Tea Party has occurred. War has broken out on the American continent. The British need to bolster their forces to keep hold of the 13 colonies, but to whom do they turn? Their own slaves. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Maya Jasanoff to discuss the slaves who fought for the British in the America War of Independence and how they were rewarded afterwards.