1. “All Men Are Created Equal…” But did all American’s Experience this equality? Main Idea: While the Declaration of Independence declared that “All men are created equal” not everyone experienced this equality during the Revolutionary Era.

2. The Case of the Slave Slaves were the property of their masters If caught running away, slaves were maimed or killed Maimed: had a body part injured or cut off If a slaves master and plantation was captured by the British, he would be resold

3. Is this “equality”?

4. The Case of the Freeman Not allowed to serve in the army Not trusted by members of the Congress Viewed as “disloyal” Only when Britain offers them freedom does Congress allow free African Americans to serve in the army

5. Is this “equality”?

6. The British Offered slaves their freedom if they joined the British side

7. What would you do?

8. Discussion Discuss with your groups how the quote below conflicts with what we have just learned about the situation of African American’s during the Revolutionary Era. “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”