The Revolutionary War and slavery

• 1770 Crispus Attucks: First martyr of the Revolution

• 1775: Darby Vassall: A lesson about equality

• 1776: Activist Black community forms in Boston

• 1776-1783: Service for freedom: Thousands join British forces

• 1777: Juno Larcom: Wins freedom after 46 years

• 1779: In New Hampshire, 20 enslaved Africans petition for freedom

• 1780-1787: Thousands starve after food imports cut

• 1781: New Hampshire bans slavery, but full rights denied

• 1784: Black Freemasons spur activism, advance abolitionist cause

• 1784: Rhode Island, Connecticut embrace gradual abolition

• 1785: Racist persecution, Black resilience in famed forest

• 1790: Opium king bankrolls hospitals, museums

• 1793: Province limits slave trade; moves to end slavery

• 1842: Sarah Parker Remond: Activist for human rights, women's suffrage