The story of how the original thirteen American colonies broke away from Great Britain and formed the United States is well known. Less well known is how African-Americans felt and what they did during the War of Independence.

Looks at the role of African Americans from both sides of the war.

Brief history of Lord Dunmore's Proclamation that, in part, promised freedom to slaves who would fight along with the British.

In this proclamation, created on November 7, 1775, John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, the governor of Virginia, declares martial law and emancipates all slaves and indentured servants willing to fight for the British.

Overview of African Americans' role in the war, for both the British and patriots.

As we know all too well, the Revolutionary War was not fought so that all men could be free, but its role in creating the seeds of abolition should not be forgotten.