Pennsylvania's Role in the Revolution
Pennsylvania's Troops
- Many Pennsylvanians joined the Continental Army.
- Some African Americans fought for the Patriots (colonists rebelling against the British).
- Slaves were promised their freedom if they joined the army.
Resources for the Soldiers
- Iron from Pennsylvania was used to make cannons and cannonballs.
- Lead was mined and used to make rifle balls.
- Pennsylvania craftspeople made Pennsylvania rifles.
- Pennsylvania farmers grew wheat that fed American soldiers.
The War on the Pennsylvania Frontier
- Fighting continued in Pennsylvania between Native Americans and colonists.
- Native Americans helped the British and Loyalist soldiers.
- Loyalists attacked the Wyoming Valley, in Pennsylvania, and caused the settlers to flee south.
- The settlers took only things they could carry.
- This was known as the Great Runaway.