Answer to Question #210910 in History for elias

Question

Compare and contrast how the American Revolution affected women, Native Americans and African-Americans, both free and enslaved.

Answer 1

Women participated by boycotting British products, providing items for troops, spying on the British, and serving in the armed forces disguised as men. The conflict also affected the lives of women who stayed loyal to the monarch, or those who remained politically neutral; in many cases, the impact was catastrophic.

The American Revolution had a profound influence on Native Americans, whether tribes were involved in war or took a neutral attitude. ... This pitted them against two Iroquois tribes that backed the Americans. When American forces burnt down their crops and towns, the Cherokee people were devastated.

In the long run, the Revolution would have a profound impact on the lives of slaves and free blacks alike, as well as the institution of slavery itself. It also had an impact on Native Americans by allowing for western colonization and establishing governments opposed to their territorial claims. The start of the American Revolution had significant ramifications for American Indians. Many regarded the Revolution as a fight for both Indian lands and liberty. Some groups, such as Cherokee warriors, disobeyed their elders and assaulted frontier towns throughout the whole southern boundary.

Gaining freedom was the most powerful motivator for Black enslaved persons who joined the Patriot or British forces during the American Revolution. As Black Loyalists, an estimated 20,000 African Americans joined the British cause, which promised liberation to enslaved people. Approximately 9,000 African Americans joined the Black Patriots. Given that between 200,000 and 250,000 troops and militia helped the American cause throughout the revolution, Black soldiers made up about 4% of the Patriots. 5,000 of the 9,000 Black soldiers were combat-ready warriors.