Unit 5: Foundations of a New Nation African Contributions and Struggles

During America’s fight for independence, African Americans played an essential and often overlooked role that fundamentally shaped the nation’s early identity. Despite the oppressive institution of slavery, many people demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience, and strategic resistance during the revolutionary period. Enslaved and free Black people alike seized opportunities within the revolutionary upheaval to assert their agency and pursue freedom. African Americans actively participated in the Revolutionary War, with many fighting both on behalf of the Loyalists and Patriots, using the opportunity to leverage their involvement as a pathway to freedom and/ or to resist oppression. Their roles on the battlefield and in the logistical support disrupted traditional assumptions about race. Simultaneously, enslaved individuals in colonial economies employed resistance strategies such as work slowdowns, sabotage, and other tactics to negotiate for improved conditions. The revolutionary period was not solely a story of political independence; it was also a chapter in the broader struggle for human equality. The resilience and resistance of African Americans during this era laid critical groundwork for future generations who would continue the fight for civil rights. By examining these contributions, we recognize the United States was built not only by those who wielded power but also by those who resisted oppression.

This unit examines the essential contributions and struggles of African Americans in shaping the foundations of the United States during its colonial and revolutionary periods. Students will explore the lives of individuals like Peter Salem and Colonel Tye, whose leadership in the American Revolution challenges traditional narratives about the era. By delving into labor systems, resistance efforts, and the complex dynamics associated with the institution of slavery, learners uncover counter-narratives that highlight the contradictions of a nation founded on liberty while perpetuating enslavement. Through primary source analysis and discussion, students will reflect on the agency of African Americans who navigated and resisted systematic oppression. Activities include examining personal stories, creating timelines of key events, and analyzing the impact of African American contributions to revolutionary ideals. In addition, learners will engage critically with historical texts to explore how African Americans shaped the revolutionary fight for independence. This unit provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of American history, centering African American voices in the struggle for freedom.