History Learning Unit

in the Revolution Era

Unit 1 Assignment:

Shaping America

Armistead served as a spy for the Continental Army, gathering critical intelligence that helped turn the tide of key battles, including the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

an enslaved African American who played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War.

James Armistead Lafayette

Who is he?

during the months preceding the Yorktown Campaign. James was also a slave who, because of his valuable service, was granted his freedom by the Virginia Assembly in 1787.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

a double-agent, provided critical information to the Marquis de la Fayette

His intelligence led to the successful French-American siege of Yorktown, which forced British General Cornwallis to surrender, effectively ending the war. Armistead’s story highlights the complexity of African Americans' roles during the Revolution, challenging the typical narratives of slavery and race. His courage and intelligence reflect the broader intellectual ideas of freedom, justice, and independence that defined the Revolutionary Era.

played an important role in intellectual contrbutions during the course of the American Revolution. While his role was not as front as others would be, he played a critical part in the defeat of the British in Yorktown. As a spy, Armistead infiltrated British camps and relayed critical information to American commanders, including General Marquis de Lafayette, after whom he took the name “Lafayette” following his emancipation.

James Armistead Lafayette

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

This is to certify that the Bearer has done essential services to me while I had the honour to command in this State. His Intelligence from the ennemy's [sic] camp were industriously collected and most faithfully delivered. He perfectly acquitted himself with some important commissions I gave him and appears to me entitled to every reward his situation can admit of."

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

A prime example of his contribution to the intellect of the changing America. James was free; with this, he would adopt the surname “Lafayette” to honor the French general.

In 1786, he would petition the House of Delegates and was provided support by the general he served under, Marquis de Lafayette.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Whom worked undercover, she changed the role of women of America by publishing "The Sentiments of an American Woman.” The broadside was a call to action, creating active political roles for women and challenging the boundaries of the feminine sphere. Both played a role to show that women and African Americans play crucial yet often overlooked roles in the Revolution.

Unlike James Lafayette,

A white woman from Pennsylvania, also contributed to the revolution by raising funds for the Continental Army.

Esther DeBerdt Reed

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Unit 01

James Armistead Lafayette's contributions to the American Revolution are powerful examples of how African Americans played important roles in the nation's fight for independence and continuing his fight for freedom.

Lasting Impact

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

these important contributions of these groups of people, but even now we can see how their actions help shaped the founding of America.

History often censors

The story of James Armistead Lafayette shows how the fight for freedom was a battle that everyone contributed to.

Relevance Today

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

https://womeninrevolutionary.politics.blog/esther-deberdt-reed/

https://virginiahistory.org/learn/james-fayette-revolutionary-spy

https://www.history.com/news/battle-of-yorktown-slave-spy-james-armistead

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Armistead_Lafayette

Uhhhhhhhhhhh

https://www.ouramericanrevolution.org/index.cfm/people/view/pp0053

Sources