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Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia

Alfred Ross

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Published in Forced Founders: Indians Debtors Slaves And The Making Of The American Revolution In Virginia (Published By The Omohundro Institute Of Early American And The University Of North Carolina Press)

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The American Revolution was a complex and multifaceted event, with many different causes and consequences. In recent years, historians have begun to explore the role that Indians, debtors, and slaves played in the Revolution. This book builds on this scholarship to provide a comprehensive account of the experiences of these groups in Virginia during the war.

Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American ... and the University of North Carolina Press)

by Woody Holton

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15304 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	254 pages

The book argues that Indians, debtors, and slaves were all essential to the development of the Revolution. Indians provided food, shelter, and military support to the Patriot cause. Debtors, who were often small farmers and artisans, were motivated to join the Revolution by the promise of economic relief. Slaves, who made up a large percentage of the population of Virginia, provided labor and support for both sides of the conflict.

The book also explores the ways in which the Revolution affected the lives of Indians, debtors, and slaves. The war brought new opportunities for some, but also new challenges for others. Indians lost land and resources to white settlers. Debtors were often forced to sell their property to pay off their debts. Slaves faced increased violence and exploitation.

Despite the challenges they faced, Indians, debtors, and slaves all played a significant role in the American Revolution. Their experiences shaped the course of the war and the new nation that emerged from it.

This book is a valuable contribution to the scholarship on the American Revolution. It provides a comprehensive account of the experiences of Indians, debtors, and slaves in Virginia during the war. The book is well-written and engaging, and it is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.

Chapter 1: Indians and the Revolution
Chapter 2: Debtors and the Revolution
Chapter 3: Slaves and the Revolution

Chapter 1: Indians and the Revolution

Indians played a complex and multifaceted role in the American Revolution. Some Indians sided with the British, while others joined the Patriots. Some Indians fought in the war, while others provided food, shelter, and other support to both sides.

The decision of whether or not to support the Revolution was a difficult one for many Indians. They had long been oppressed by white settlers, and they were wary of siding with a government that they did not trust. However, some Indians were drawn to the Revolution by the promise of land and autonomy.

One of the most important Indian leaders during the Revolution was Cornstalk, a Shawnee chief. Cornstalk initially supported the British, but he later switched sides and joined the Patriots. He led a number of successful raids against British targets, and he was instrumental in securing the alliance between the Patriots and the Shawnee.

Another important Indian leader during the Revolution was Joseph Brant, a Mohawk chief. Brant fought on the side of the British, and he was one of the most successful Indian military leaders of the war. He led a number of raids against American settlements in New York and Pennsylvania, and he was instrumental in the British victory at the Battle of Oriskany.

The American Revolution had a profound impact on Indian life. Indians lost land and resources to white settlers, and they were forced to sign treaties that limited their sovereignty. However, the Revolution also brought new opportunities for some Indians. They were able to form alliances with the new American government, and they were able to gain access to new markets for their goods.

Chapter 2: Debtors and the Revolution

Debtors played a significant role in the American Revolution. They were motivated to join the Revolution by the promise of economic relief. The British government had imposed a number of taxes on the American colonies, and these taxes were a heavy burden on many debtors. The Revolution offered debtors a chance to escape their debts and to start over.

One of the most important debtor leaders during the Revolution was Daniel Shays. Shays was a farmer from Massachusetts who had been forced to sell his farm to pay off his debts. He led a rebellion of debtors in Massachusetts, and he was eventually defeated by the state militia.

The Shays Rebellion was a turning point in the Revolution. It showed that the new American government was not willing to tolerate dissent, and it led to the adoption of a number of measures that were designed to suppress debtor unrest.

Despite the challenges they faced, debtors played a significant role in the American Revolution. They helped to win the war, and they helped to shape the new American government.

Chapter 3: Slaves and the Revolution

Slaves played a complex and multifaceted role in the American Revolution. Some slaves joined the British, while others joined the Patriots. Some slaves fought in the war, while others provided labor and support to both sides.

The decision of whether or not to support the Revolution was a difficult one for many slaves. They had long been oppressed by white masters, and they were wary of siding with a government that they did not trust. However, some slaves were drawn to the Revolution

by Woody Holton

4.5 out of 5