PROCESS

ACTIVITY ONE

1774-1782

The years 1774-1782 were a period of great change in our country’s history. During this time the American Revolution occurred and the thirteen colonies were fighting for their freedom from Great Britain, hoping to become their own country, the United States of America. Many African Americans served as slaves but some living in Massachusetts were considered free blacks.

Read on to find out your directions for the next part of your time traveling experience:

1. You will examine the following primary source documents.

Bill of sale for the slave named Boston Loring

Click image to visit Massachusetts Historical Society website.

Examples of petitions by slaves claiming that freedom was a right belonging to all men and women www.masshist.org/endofslavery/?queryID=5 (LINK NOT ACTIVE)

http://www.masshist.org/database/onview_full.cfm?queryID=589

Click image to visit Massachusetts Historical Society website.

2. You will link to the following website and find out if African Americans contributed to the American Revolution. www.masshist.org/endofslavery/?queryID=56 (LINK NOT ACTIVE)

Answer the following questions:

What was life like for African Americans living in Massachusetts between the years 1774-1782?
What do the primary source documents and websites reveal that lead you to believe this?
How did African Americans view themselves during this time period?

Explain how you know.

We will discuss what answers we have come up with and chart our responses.

ACTIVITY 2