What did Phillis Wheatley do during the Revolutionary War?
Contents
Introduction
Phillis Wheatley was a renowned African American poet and abolitionist who made significant contributions to the American literary landscape. Born in West Africa and enslaved in 1761, Wheatley’s talent and intellect earned her a place in the American patriot movement during the Revolutionary War. This article explores Phillis Wheatley’s involvement during the Revolutionary War and the impact she had on American history.
A Brief Overview of Phillis Wheatley’s Life
Born between 1753 and 1755, Phillis Wheatley was a highly educated and articulate slave owned by John Wheatley of Boston. Despite her slavery, she learned to read and write English, Greek, and Latin, becoming fluent in multiple languages. Her remarkable linguistic abilities, combined with her talent for poetry, earned her fame and recognition in colonial Boston.
Why did Phillis Wheatley Support the Revolution?
Wheatley’s support for the Revolutionary War was not limited to her literary contributions. Her experiences as a slave instilled in her a sense of injustice and a desire for freedom. As she wrote in her poem, "On Being Brought from Africa to America", "Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, / May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train." Wheatley recognized the parallels between the slavery she experienced and the struggles of the American colonies, which were fighting for freedom from British rule. By supporting the Revolution, Wheatley hoped to gain access to education and potential emancipation.
Patriotic Poetry
Wheatley’s poetry played a crucial role in shaping American culture during the Revolutionary War. Her poems addressed important issues, such as slavery, abolition, and independence. Notably, her poem "A Farewell to America" (1773) emphasized the importance of resistance to tyranny. In "An Hymn to the Morning" (1773), Wheatley praised the beauty and power of nature, hinting at the nation’s potential for greatness.
| Poem Title | Date | Themes |
|---|---|---|
| A Farewell to America | 1773 | Slavery, Abolition, Resistance to Tyranny |
| An Hymn to the Morning | 1773 | Nature, American greatness |
Support from Patriots
Wheatley’s writing earned her recognition from key American patriots. In 1772, Wheatley’s poetry attracted the attention of Benjamin Franklin, who authenticated her poems to prevent charges of forgery. John Hancock, a leading Boston patriot, praised her literary talents, and General George Washington mentioned her in his diary, saying she was a "dark skinned" woman of "excellent Poetick Talent".
Impact on the War Effort
Wheatley’s poetry played a subtle but significant role in shaping the war effort. Her poetic expressions of patriotism and courage inspired soldiers and civilians alike. Her writing became a symbol of hope, reminding Americans that their cause was just and noble.
Conclusion
Phillis Wheatley’s involvement in the Revolutionary War was not limited to her literary prowess. Her experiences as a slave and her passion for freedom drove her to write poetry that resonated with the American patriot movement. Through her words, Wheatley championed American independence and advocated for an end to slavery. Her contributions to the Revolution demonstrate the significant role of African Americans in shaping American history.
