Final answer:
From 1775 to 1830, African Americans experienced both the expansion of freedom after the Revolutionary War and the growth of slavery due to economic factors in the South. They responded by advocating for equal rights and establishing support communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The period from 1775 to 1830 in American history was characterized by the paradoxical expansion of both freedom and enslavement for African Americans. While the ideals of the American Revolution initially spurred movements towards emancipation in the North, the economic entrenchment of slavery in the South led to its expansion.
Thesis Statement
Despite the liberation of many African Americans following the Revolutionary War, the demand for labor in the developing Southern states propelled the growth of slavery, leading to a dichotomous existence for African Americans as they either fought for their rights or grappled with the harsh realities of enslavement.
Evidence
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- African Americans used the rhetoric of natural rights from the Revolution to petition for their freedom and abolition of slavery.
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- Slavery thrived due to the development of cotton economies, leading to a westward expansion of the institution.
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- Free African Americans and enslaved individuals responded to their challenges by forming support networks, engaging in active resistance, and participating in abolitionist societies.