Black Patriots fight for national independence and hope for a chance in their new country.
Similar to its white and Native American troops, black soldiers frequently joined the Continental Army for similar reasons. Black patriots fought for national independence and hoped for a chance in their new country. Others, possibly a large number, decided to embark on the military experience with hopes of serving alongside their loved ones or friends. A few others were lured in part by the promise of enlistment incentives or monthly pay.
In addition, some people battled for their own freedom or the freedom of loved ones following the Declaration of Independence's goals. In actuality, one of the reasons that drove black patriots into the military was compelled military duty. Both white men and black men were occasionally required to join for a brief period of time in a Continental unit if they were on the militia list. While white people were occasionally compelled to serve in the military, enslaved African-Americans were frequently pressured or pushed into further duty by their masters. In particular, in New England, many African slaves were promised freedom in exchange for military service. Most of those promises were fulfilled, except for a few veterans who were enslaved.
In short, black patriots fought for many reasons:
- hopes of serving alongside their loved ones or friends
- the promise of enlistment incentives or monthly pay
- especially, the desire to live in a different nation motivated many people to fight for their country's independence.
