Question

The War of 1812 led to the departure of thousands of African Americans to the British forces. What resulted from Congress?

Answer 1

During the War of 1812, many African Americans joined British forces seeking freedom, which led to Congress taking action against British ships in American waters. Despite Britain's promises, evacuated black loyalists faced challenges and restrictions within the British Empire post-war.

Step-by-step explanation:

The War of 1812, also known as the Second War of American Independence, involved numerous African Americans who sought freedom from enslavement by joining the British forces. After the war, Congress had to address the outcomes of such actions, as well as the British evacuation of thousands of freed enslaved individuals. The Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution, included a clause demanding British troops leave behind runaway slaves. However, the British upheld earlier promises and evacuated them, with many African Americans transported to Canada, the Caribbean, or Great Britain. The act of Congress specifying that any British ship in American waters could be seized was a response to British actions, including extended offers of freedom to enslaved individuals. Despite the offers of freedom, evacuated black loyalists often faced social and economic marginalization within the British Empire, including restrictions on land ownership.