16. Explain African Americans’ roles during the American Revolution.(1 point)
1. They did nothing because they were enslaved.
2. They were taken by the British.
3. They fought for freedom.
4. They helped fight on the colonists' and British side
3. They fought for freedom.
During the American Revolution, African Americans played various roles, including fighting for their own freedom. While it is true that many African Americans were enslaved during this time, some took advantage of the turmoil and instability of the war to escape and join the fight for independence. Both free and enslaved African Americans fought on the side of the American colonists, serving as soldiers, sailors, and spies. Notable examples include the African American militias such as the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, which played a crucial role in several key battles. These African American soldiers fought for their own freedom and the ideals of the Revolution, hoping that their contributions would lead to the end of slavery in the newly formed United States.