Colonial Campaigns Club (CCC)

Did the American colonial revolt in 1776 put back the abolition of slavery by decades? Since the anti-slavery movement was already getting underway in late 18th century Britain, would a British victory in American have led to the abolition of slavery in the colonies?

It was certainly widely believed at the time that a British victory would bring freedom to the slaves. Tens of thousands fled to the British, and although no general campaign was undertaken to enlist black soldiers, those who sought British protection were received. According to Jefferson, 30,000 Virginia slaves fled to the British. 25,000 (two-thirds) of the slaves in South Carolina joined them in the latter part of the war, as did three-quarters of the slaves in Georgia. These people were aware that liberty was, for them, unattainable under an American government.

At the end of the war 80,000 to 100,000 blacks evacuated with the British , most going to Jamaica, Nova Scotia, and to a new country on the west coast of Africa - Sierra Leone.

Major Rich White
28th North Glos Rgt
Right Wing British Army 1776