Why did approximately 5,000 African Americans join Patriot militias or the Continental Army or Navy?
(1 point)
Responses
to earn wages
to earn wages
to serve their country
to serve their country
to gain their freedom
to gain their freedom
to seek revenge on Great Britain
to seek revenge on Great Britain
All of the above responses could be valid reasons why approximately 5,000 African Americans joined Patriot militias, the Continental Army, or Navy during the American Revolutionary War. It is important to note that the experiences and motivations of individual African American soldiers varied. Some joined to earn wages, as the Continental Congress offered financial incentives to enlist in the military. Others joined to serve their country and fight for the cause of American independence. Additionally, many enslaved African Americans saw joining the military as an opportunity to gain their freedom. By serving in the Patriot forces, they hoped to secure their own liberation or that of their families. Lastly, some African Americans may have joined to seek revenge on Great Britain, which had supported and enforced slavery in the American colonies.
There were several reasons why approximately 5,000 African Americans joined Patriot militias or the Continental Army or Navy during the American Revolutionary War. These reasons include:
1. To earn wages: African Americans saw military service as an opportunity to earn wages and secure financial independence, which was particularly attractive for those who were enslaved and seeking to buy their freedom.
2. To serve their country: Many African Americans joined the Patriot militias or the Continental Army or Navy out of a sense of patriotism and a desire to fight for the cause of American independence. They believed in the ideals of liberty and equality and saw military service as a way to actively contribute to the fight for freedom.
3. To gain their freedom: Joining the military presented a chance for enslaved African Americans to secure their own freedom. Both the British and the Continental Army had policies that allowed enslaved individuals to gain their freedom in exchange for military service.
4. To seek revenge on Great Britain: Some African Americans joined the Patriots because they harbored a deep resentment towards Great Britain. They saw military service as an opportunity to fight against the oppressive British colonial rule and seek revenge for their mistreatment.
It is important to note that the motivations of African Americans who joined the Patriot militias or the Continental Army or Navy were diverse and varied. While these are some general reasons, individual motivations may have differed depending on personal circumstances and beliefs.