Chp 1 / 1.2

Outline of Liberty and the Revolutionary War

I. Promise of Freedom

A. British Offer to Enslaved Individuals1. Governor's promise of freedom in Virginia2. 80,000 enslaved people sought refuge with the BritishB. Formation of Black Units1. Enslaved individuals wore uniforms with "liberty for the slaves"2. Symbolism of their fight for freedom

II. Aftermath of Yorktown

A. Battle of Yorktown (1781)1. Concluded military hostilities favoring American colonists2. Resistance faced by Black men attempting escape to British ships

III. Imagery of Despair

A. Visual Representations1. Art showing struggles of enslaved individuals2. Reminders of anguish and pursuit of liberty

IV. Symbolism of Liberty

A. Liberty Trees1. Resistance symbols against British authority2. Protests depicted in artB. American Ideals1. Freedom's centrality to American identity2. Continuation of civil rights movements

V. Understanding Freedom

A. Definition1. Protection of life, liberty, and property from coercionB. Perspectives on Liberty1. Negative Liberty: Absence of constraints2. Positive Liberty: Capacities and access to resources

VI. Balancing Negatives and Positives

A. Ongoing Debate1. Tension between individual rights and societal responsibilities

VII. Evolving Concept of Liberty

A. Historical Context1. Changing interpretations and strugglesB. Critical Analysis1. Liberty's expansion through struggles vs. gradual changeC. Conclusion1. Liberty's interpretations highlight its fragility and vigilance needed.