The Role of African Americans in the Revolutionary WarAn estimated 100,000 African Americans escaped, died, or were killed during the American Revolution (Mount). Approximately 95% of African Americans in the United States were slaves, and because of their status, their use during the revolution was inevitable (Mount). This led many Americans, especially those in the North, to believe that the Southern economy would collapse without slavery due to the use of slaves on the front lines. However, only a small percentage of the slave population enlisted in either army. The concept of using slaves as soldiers was hardly revolutionary. Black people have served our country with honor and valor since the nation's earliest days. Black troops fought not only for the United States, but also for England. The British crown used their heads and made a deal that would help them recruit slave troops. It was a chance for emancipation for slaves who fought against their masters. African Americans were active before the war began. The Boston Massacre was an event that sparked a need for independence. On March 5, 1770, British troops stationed on King Street in Boston encountered an uprising and began shooting into the crowds (Davis 206). Crispus Attucks, a black man, led the 1770 uprising against British troops that resulted in the Boston Massacre. He reportedly shouted: “Don’t be afraid!” as he led the crowd of protesters against the armed British...