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Imeh Nsek
Professor Browne
History 33
11/19/16
American Revolution (White Elite Conservation?)
The late 18th century was a very confusing and frustrating time for everybody in what
was then called New England. The white elite men were leading the charge for representation in
England, a cause that was backed by every other white citizen because England was passing
taxes on them without giving them a voice. The slaves of the time were confused and frustrated
due to the Elites revolution against the Motherland, in which they demanded a voice using such
rhetoric as liberty, equality, freedom, etc.. The white elites even went as far to call themselves
slaves of King George. The irony was not lost on the slaves because as they see these whites
calling themselves slaves, they still own slave and most are treated terribly, much worse than the
whites are being treated by the English. Although the majority of people see the American
Revolution as an advancement or improvement in the liberties and freedoms of the British
Colonists, I disagree. The so-called American “Revolution” was very conservative when you
consider whose liberties would actually be affected and the population of America at that time,
especially from the African-American point of view. The African-American perspective can be
demonstrated by some prominent Africans in America at this time, I will focus primarily on
Venture Smith while also including Phillis Wheatley. I must include Phillis Wheatley because
although they were both African in America due to gender, owners socioeconomic status, etc.
their experiences are as much different as they are similar. But, in order to know and understand
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their struggle, we will need to know the white elites: George Washington and Benjamin Franklin,
and their arguments and perspective, to develop a holistic picture of America and its
“Revolution”. Thematically I focus on equality and the lack of it.
Venture Smith was an African native brought to America to participate in the slave
system that had been established. Historians believe he was born in 1729 and died in 1805. He
lived uncharacteristically long for someone in this era, especially when you take into
consideration having endured being a slave, slaves life expectancy for this time was only 23
years old, compared to wealthy white at this time was around 43 years old. Because he lived both
pre a post-revolution he is a perfect person through who to analyze the American “Revolution”.
Although, unlike most slaves, Venture becomes free he does so of his own ambition and it was
incredibly difficult. His liberty cost him years of hard work, loneliness, and frugality. Typical of
