The Black Men in the Revolution and War of 1812
This collection of poems explores the experiences of African American men during the American Revolution and War of 1812. It highlights their contributions to the war effort, their struggles for freedom and equality, and their resilience in the face of oppression. The poems also examine the complexities of racial identity and the tensions between patriotism and slavery.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1828 · Genre: Historical Non-Fiction, Social Commentary, Biography · 3,012 words
First lines
The return of the festival of our national independence has called our attention to a matter which has been very carefully kept out of sight by orators and toast-drinkers. We allude to the participation of colored men in the great struggle for American freedom. It is not in accordance with our taste or our principles to eulogize the shedders of blood even in a cause of acknowledged justice; but when we see a whole nation doing honor to the memories of one class of its defenders to the total neglect of another class, who had the misfortune to be of darker complexion, we cannot forego the satisfaction of inviting notice to certain historical facts which for the last half century have been quietly elbowed aside, as no more deserving of a place in patriotic recollection than the descendants of the men to whom the facts in question relate have to a place in a Fourth of July procession.
What this Textopian page supports
The Black Men in the Revolution and War of 1812 is listed on Textopian as a historical account by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1828 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1828 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Non-Fiction, Social Commentary, Biography, Political Discourse, Military History
- Length: 3,012 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Black Men in the Revolution and War of 1812 by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Black Men in the Revolution and War of 1812?
- How does this historical account by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Non-Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Freedom In Brazil by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Astraea At The Capitol Abolition Of Slavery In The District Of Columbia 1862 by John Greenleaf Whittier
- After The Death Of John Brown by Henry David Thoreau
- Placido The Slave Poet by John Greenleaf Whittier
- George L Stearns by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Jubilee Singers by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Historical Non-Fiction — The work focuses on the historical contributions of black soldiers during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, providing factual accounts and testimonies.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal neglect of the contributions of black individuals in history, addressing themes of race, equality, and justice.
- Biography — The text includes biographical elements of notable black soldiers and their experiences, highlighting individual stories within the broader historical context.
- Political Discourse — It engages in political discussions regarding the rights and recognition of black soldiers, particularly in the context of suffrage and citizenship.
Tags
American History · Slavery · Abolitionism · War of 1812 · Black Americans · Revolutionary War · Racism · Freedom · Equality · Civil Rights · Historical Nonfiction · Biography