The American Revolution, 1776-1783
Briefly explain an example from one of the assigned primary sources that demonstrates challenges faced in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
“The necessity of putting the Army upon a respectable footing, both as to numbers and constitution, is now become more essential than ever” (General Washington). He intervened for more funding of the army by revealing the challenges that the army faced. The general expressed his fears by exposing how dangerous the enemy had become and this posed as a challenge to the army. Therefore, he thought that it would affect the course of the American independence.
Briefly explain an example from one of the assigned primary sources that demonstrates loyalists’ experiences during the American Revolution
“Sent for Mr. Dickson last night, and he told me he would look over the law to see if I could recover My own estate and this evening he came and told me I could not dower and he feared my income in my estate was forfeited likewise and yet no trial was of service” (Grace Growden defies the radical in Philadelphia, 1778, 1779). This outlined the challenges the loyalists went through when it came to loss of property and estate through confiscation. It was at this period when there was a legislative attack on the loyalists and at the same time, the loyalists could not get any help from the colonists.
Briefly explain an example from one of the assigned primary sources that demonstrates women’s experiences during the American Revolution.
“Wear none but your own country linen, of economy boast, let you pride be the most to show clothes of own make and spinning” (Massachusetts Gazette, 1767). This was a cry by the daughters of liberty to the rest of Americans to cease using the British goods including clothes. The women, whose initial role was the management of households, had taken a backstage in revolutionary efforts. They eventually ended up joining the mission for liberty by engaging in boycotts including British fashion and the support of the price control by Boston women.
Briefly explain an example from one of the assigned primary sources that demonstrates African Americans’ experiences during the American Revolution.
“We cannot but expect your house will again take our deplorable case into serious consideration and give us that ample relief which, as men, we have a natural right to” (Peter Besters and other Massachusetts slaves. Letter to local representatives April 20, 1773). African Americans were mainly slaves and their conditions as mentioned were terrible. They lived in discrimination and therefore set out to fight for their basic rights. This letter by Peter expressed the concerns of the African Americans that slavery undermined Christian principles. They were to share this letter with the members of the General Court.
References
Massachusetts gazette (1767). The daughters of liberty urge Americans to boycott British goods.
