Blog Post 3 - Book Of Negroes

 My novel, Book Of Negroes, is most certainly based on slavery pre-American Revolution, as well as post American Revolution. An important part of the novel is when Aminatas slave owner takes her to New York. This happens after the death of his wife due to small pox which were a very common disease during this time. But due to rioting from the outbreak of the Revolution, Aminata escapes Solomon Lindo. Aminata then begins to work as a midwife as well as a teacher, teaching other black individuals how to read and write. Something that I was really uneducated on is what the American Revolution was for. Yes, of course it was mainly pushing the idea of United States Of Americas separation from Britain and the road to the Declaration of Indpendence, but it also had a huge toll on slavery as well.
During the Revolution, thousands of slaves escaped their owners in search of freedom. Many had their name written in the Book Of Negroes, which is a document that lists freed American slaves that who had requested permission to leave the United States in order to resettle. Mostly in Nova Scotia. The American Revolution was a bloody, terrible battle, but the end result was the Declaration of Independence. Many of you would recognize this as also being July, 4th every year. A celebration for American citizens. But along with the many Americans that served in this battle, were thousands of slaves that earned their freedom by fighting on both sides of this battle. While thousands of other slaves, freed themselves by running away.
In April 1775 Lord Dunmore promised all slaves who joint with "His Majesty's Troops". Around 800 slaves joined British forces, many wearing the emblem " Liberty To Slaves".  But after the Declaration of Independence was written, years later people realized that the word "slave" was no in it.  Despite this, slavery got important protections in the Constitution. The Three-fifths clause counted three fifths of the slave population in a portioned representation. This gave the South extra representation in the House and extra votes in elections. This constitution also prohibited government from outlawing Atlantic slave trade for 20 years. AS well as a fugitive slave clause that forced runaway slaves to go back to their owners. This constitution also gave the federal government power to stop rebellions which includes slave insurrections.
So in conclusion the American Revolution did have a strong impact on slavery in the late 1700's. It was definitely a huge stepping stone in the elimination of slavery in America. It had a huge tie into this novel as Aminata acquired freedom due to the American Revolution, and that set up the next parts of the story as Aminata's journey continues with her freedom.