Dunmore Proclamation

Definition

The Dunmore Proclamation was issued by Virginia's royal governor, Lord Dunmore, in November 1775, declaring martial law and offering freedom to enslaved people who would join the British forces in their fight against the American revolutionaries. This proclamation was a significant move that not only aimed to bolster British troops but also highlighted the complex issues of slavery and freedom during the Revolutionary War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The proclamation was one of the first instances where a colonial leader offered freedom to enslaved people as a means to increase military strength.
2. Lord Dunmore's decision was controversial, leading to mixed reactions among both loyalists and revolutionaries.
3. Thousands of enslaved individuals fled their plantations in hopes of gaining freedom by joining the British army following this proclamation.
4. The Dunmore Proclamation emphasized the role of African Americans in the Revolutionary War, as many fought for both sides in pursuit of freedom.
5. This proclamation also had long-term implications for slavery in America, as it prompted discussions about emancipation and civil rights.

Review Questions

• What were the motivations behind Lord Dunmore's decision to issue the Dunmore Proclamation, and how did it impact African Americans during the Revolutionary War?
  • Lord Dunmore's motivations for issuing the Dunmore Proclamation included the need to strengthen British military forces amidst growing unrest in Virginia and to undermine the rebellion by recruiting enslaved people. This proclamation significantly impacted African Americans as it provided an opportunity for many to escape bondage and seek freedom by joining the British army. It marked a pivotal moment in which the fight for independence intertwined with the quest for freedom among enslaved individuals.
• Analyze how the Dunmore Proclamation influenced both Loyalist and Patriot sentiments regarding slavery during the Revolutionary War.
  • The Dunmore Proclamation had a profound influence on both Loyalist and Patriot sentiments about slavery. Loyalists viewed it as a pragmatic approach to enlist more troops, while many Patriots saw it as a direct threat to their social order and property rights. This proclamation sparked debates about liberty and equality, forcing revolutionaries to confront their ideals about freedom, as they were often complicit in the institution of slavery despite advocating for independence.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Dunmore Proclamation on discussions surrounding slavery and freedom in post-Revolutionary America.
  • The long-term consequences of the Dunmore Proclamation extended beyond the immediate context of the Revolutionary War, as it catalyzed discussions about slavery and freedom that would resonate throughout American history. The proclamation highlighted contradictions in American ideals regarding liberty and led to increased visibility for African Americans' roles in the fight for their freedom. This shift in discourse contributed to early abolitionist movements and laid groundwork for future civil rights struggles, as it forced society to grapple with issues of equality that would remain contentious well into the 19th century.

Related terms

Martial Law: The imposition of direct military control over normal civilian functions of government, often in response to emergencies or unrest.

Lord Dunmore: The royal governor of Virginia who issued the Dunmore Proclamation, seeking to maintain British control during the American Revolutionary War.

African American Soldiers: Individuals of African descent who served in various capacities in both the British and American military forces during the Revolutionary War.