The Year in Revolution: 1781 Black Americans in the American Revolution video explains how over 5,000 Black Americans shaped the Revolutionary War as both free and enslaved laborers, soldiers and sailors, and spies—even as most were denied the rights they helped defend. The stories of the Continental Army’s 1st Rhode Island Regiment and James Lafayette are highlighted for their roles in advancing the American cause of independence.
The Year in Revolution Series was produced with classroom use in mind. Beginning with 1775 and ending with 1783, students and lifelong learners alike will learn about each year of the Revolution through a comprehensive overview video and five “who, what, where, when, and how” videos. The animated series draws heavily from the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati’s library and museum collections.
Funding for Year in Revolution: 1783 Overview was made possible by a grant from the George S. Rich Family Foundation. The creative team for this series was assembled by the American Revolution Institute and the talented educational production leads at Makematic Limited/ClickView.