ilure for the Southern states whose economy was based on slave labor for agricultural production, and struck fear into their hearts for possible death at the hands of their former slaves. However, the British actually cared little for the slaves or their well being. Threatened emancipation was only a ploy to force the Southern states to return their loyalties to the crown. As slaves began escaping to the British Army in throngs, they faced a life of slavery, only now with a different master. The slaves were bought and sold and even offered as payment to the Officers. When rations were low, they were the first to be slighted. Many soon realized the proclamations of the British were only smoke and mirrors. However, they were willing to side with whom ever was winning the war just to ensure their survival. During this time famine struck slaves left to fend for themselves as masters fled their homes in fear of the British Army. With little or no where to go, they took refuge in who or whatever was willing to take them in, often finding themselves only switching from one horror to another. Same story, new names. These abused souls found themselves again the victim of a power struggle, and could only wait and hope to side with the victor before it was too late.However, with the close of the war the rights of the citizens (white, land owning males) of the newly formed states were being explored with vigor as the Founding Fathers set out to form their utopia. And, although distant, the beginnings of emancipation became firmly established when such words as, all men are created equal were signed into law. The Northern states made their opinions regarding slavery known with such acts as the Northwest Ordinance. An end to slavery was now becoming a reality. However, the reality would be distant as Southern states flexed their might and lobbied for such laws as the Three-Fifths Rule and the Southwest Ordinance. Although perhaps put...
