The American Revolution’s Effect on the Institution of Slavery

Slavery enabled the US economy to prosper for more than 300 years. It dramatically grows many Southern states without greatly diversifying the economy. South relies on harvesting of cash crops such as labor intensive tobacco and cotton. Without too cheap labor, slaves are used to harvest crops, which provides great value to local farmers and planters. However, in the 18th century, slavery was challenged by the enlightenment system, the newly discovered religious ideals, and a larger group of abolition groups.

The American Revolution has had a great impact on slavery. Thousands of slaves gained freedom by serving both sides of the Revolutionary War. As a result of the revolution, an amazing number of slaves have emerged and thousands of people have been released by escape. In Georgia alone, there were 5,000 slaves that accounted for one - third of the pre - war colonies and escaped. In South Carolina, one quarter of slaves got freedom. Both British and colonists believed that slaves could play an important role during the revolution. In 1775, Sir Dunmore (1732-1809) declared freedom to slaves and threatened to make Williamsburg ash, if colonists opposed the British authorities.

Pennsylvania Socialist President Benjamin Franklin signed a petition to abolish the Slave Association of Pennsylvania.

Slavery was established in the American colonies during the American Revolution. It is the most important of the six southern states in Georgia from Maryland but 500,000 slaves are scattered throughout the colonies. In the south, 40% of the population is made up of slaves, and as Americans enter Kentucky and Southwest, one-sixth of the settlers become slaves. By the end of the war New England had offered most of the American ships used for foreign slave trade, but most of its customers were in Georgia and Carolina.