What History Forgot Season 1 Episode 1 Icons of Freedom

What History Forgot is a documentary series that uncovers stories from the past that have been forgotten or overlooked. In the season 1 premiere episode, titled "Icons of Freedom," the focus is on the African American soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the Revolutionary War and the role that African Americans played in it. It is noted that many people are unaware that African Americans fought alongside white soldiers in the war, and that their contributions have largely been ignored by history.

The show then introduces viewers to several key figures, including James Armistead Lafayette, who was a slave who worked as a spy for the Continental Army and provided vital intelligence to General Lafayette. This intelligence helped the Americans win the decisive Battle of Yorktown.

Next, the episode explores the story of Peter Salem, an African American soldier who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Salem is credited with killing British Major John Pitcairn, a key leader in the British army. This event was a significant morale boost for the American soldiers and is considered to be a turning point in the war.

The episode also looks at the story of Crispus Attucks, a former slave who is believed to be the first casualty of the Revolutionary War. Attucks was killed in the Boston Massacre, which occurred in 1770 and was one of the key events that led to the outbreak of war.

Throughout the episode, historians and experts provide context and analysis of these stories, helping to shed light on the important role that African Americans played in the Revolutionary War. They also discuss the challenges and obstacles that these soldiers faced, both during the war and in the years that followed.

Overall, "Icons of Freedom" is a fascinating exploration of a little-known aspect of American history. By shining a light on the contributions of African American soldiers in the Revolutionary War, the episode challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of this pivotal period in American history.