Question

Graded Paragraph: Explain how "Americans of African descent helped define what it meant to

be revolutionary citizens" in different ways during the course of the Revolutionary War. In your
answer, be sure to:
• Define what it means to be a revolutionary citizen.
• Identify two actions that black Americans took that made them revolutionary citizens
during the war.
●
Explain how these actions made them revolutionary citizens.
● Use evidence from three sources in the packet.
15 or more sentences

Answer 1

Black Americans in the Revolutionary War redefined revolutionary citizenship through their active participation and contributions. They enlisted in the army and assumed non-combatant roles, challenging the belief that only white men could be revolutionary citizens.

Step-by-step explanation:

A revolutionary citizen refers to an individual who actively participates in and makes significant contributions to a revolution. In the context of the Revolutionary War, black Americans played a crucial role in shaping the definition of revolutionary citizenship.

Two actions taken by black Americans during the Revolutionary War made them revolutionary citizens. Firstly, many black Americans enlisted in the Continental Army and fought alongside their white counterparts. This demonstrated their commitment to the cause of American independence and their willingness to risk their lives for the revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality. An example of this is Crispus Attucks, an African American who was the first casualty of the Boston Massacre in 1770.

Secondly, black Americans also contributed to the war effort through non-combatant roles. Many worked as laborers, cooks, and nurses, providing essential support to the army. Their involvement in these capacities helped sustain the troops and ensured the success of the revolutionary cause. For instance, James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved African American, acted as a spy for the Continental Army and provided valuable intelligence that contributed to the defeat of the British.

These actions made black Americans revolutionary citizens by challenging the prevailing belief that only white men could be active participants in the struggle for independence. By actively engaging in the war effort, black Americans not only demonstrated their commitment to the revolutionary cause but also demanded recognition and equality. Their sacrifices and contributions helped redefine the notion of citizenship, paving the way for future struggles for civil rights and equality in the United States.

Learn more about Black Americans' contributions to the Revolutionary War