AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Impact of Independence on Slavery (Day 55/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Impact of Independence on Slavery in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Jefferson Memorial, Wikimedia Commons

During the movement and war for independence, Enlightenment philosophy was at the forefront of the calls for revolution. These ideals emphasized equality and the natural rights of each person to life, liberty, and property. 

Map of the 13 Colonies showing the estimated number of enslaved people, as well as the total percentage of the population which was enslaved. World History Encyclopedia

On the eve of war, slavery legally existed in every American colony. However, some White Americans became more conscious of the contradiction of the enslavement of Black people while fighting for their own freedom from Britain. 

Wikimedia Commons: James Armistead and Phillis Wheatley

Around 5,000 Black enslaved persons, including James Armistead fought in the Revolutionary War in the hopes that they would receive new opportunities under a new nation. Others, such as Phillis Wheatley, wrote about independence and advocated for liberation.

Slavery in the Early Republic, Created by apushladyboss

In the years after the Revolutionary War, most northern states abolished slavery either by state constitution or with gradual emancipation.

Revolutionary ideals of equality and freedom increased awareness of inequalities in society. While several northern states did abolish the institution, calls for a national end of slavery were not widespread.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Impact of Independence on Women in our next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!