Final answer:
Overall, the Revolutionary Era saw the growth of the free black population but also witnessed the entrenchment of slavery, especially in the South. Free blacks and slaves experienced variable outcomes across regions, with the North moving toward emancipation and the South reinforcing slavery. African Americans fought for freedom during the war, though gains were limited due to the deep-seated racism and economic interests in slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessment of African Americans' Gains and Losses During the Revolutionary Era
During the Revolutionary Era, the rise of the free black population is one of the significant accomplishments. However, this period also entrenched slavery, particularly in the South, where the patriot victory reinforced the master class's power. The North saw a gradual end to slavery, but racism persisted, evidenced by laws such as the one passed in Massachusetts in 1786 that banned interracial marriages. African Americans utilized the language of natural rights to challenge slavery, but despite these efforts, slavery not only continued post-Revolution but expanded.
Both free blacks and slaves faced different outcomes depending on their geographic location and status. In the North, where slavery was diminishing, racism remained an obstacle to true equality. In contrast, the Lower South saw an affirmation of the slave system, and even in the Upper South, new legal restrictions made manumission more difficult. Throughout the war, African Americans fought for freedom on both the patriot and Loyalist sides, challenging Americans to reconsider the morality of slavery amidst a fight for liberty.
While some gains were made, such as the founding of abolitionist societies and gradual emancipation in northern states, the strongest benefits were for whites who cemented their freedom and legal superiority. African Americans who benefitted the least had to contend with the persistence of slavery and systemic racism, which prevented true societal equality and autonomy. Slavery's deep economic roots and the association of whiteness with liberty ensured that the Revolutionary War provided limited substantive change for most African Americans.