During the American revolution, the Patriots side was heaviliy outnumbered by The British. On top of that, the patriot's weapons were also inferior. In such a desperate moment, the patriots decided to obtain any help that they can, by opening an opportunity for African Americans (from both northern and southern sides) to join the Revolution army in order to achieve freedom from the British.
The American patriots’ demand for liberty was ironic considering that slavery was practiced in each of the 13 colonies in 1775. Despite being denied their own liberty, thousands of African Americans fought for the patriots’ cause during the Revolution. George Washington, the Continental Army’s commander, was initially hesitant about recruiting African Americans and arming them to serve in the Revolution. He feared they might revolt against the colonists for their own rights, rather than fight against the British. But he quashed his inhibitions because the Continental Army was badly outnumbered by the British troops and their Hessian recruits. Initially, in 1776, only free blacks with some prior military experience were enlisted. Then in 1777, all free blacks were welcomed into the Continental Army, and later that year, all blacks, both free and enslaved could enlist.
