Why did approximately 5,000 African Americans join Patriot militias or the Continental Army or Navy?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

to earn wages
to earn wages

to serve their country
to serve their country

to gain their freedom
to gain their freedom

to seek revenge on Great Britain
to seek revenge on Great Britain

Answer 1

All of the above responses could be valid reasons why approximately 5,000 African Americans joined Patriot militias, the Continental Army, or Navy during the American Revolutionary War. It is important to note that the experiences and motivations of individual African American soldiers varied. Some joined to earn wages, as the Continental Congress offered financial incentives to enlist in the military. Others joined to serve their country and fight for the cause of American independence. Additionally, many enslaved African Americans saw joining the military as an opportunity to gain their freedom. By serving in the Patriot forces, they hoped to secure their own liberation or that of their families. Lastly, some African Americans may have joined to seek revenge on Great Britain, which had supported and enforced slavery in the American colonies.