The great awakening appealed to the idea of faith being available to all men “The Great Awakening offered both a new religious faith and educational opportunities to many black coverts, who often found a critique of slavery in the revivalists’ message of religious equality”(White, Bay, Martin 120). Extensive talk of freedom gave many slaves motivation and many were ready to fight for their freedom. In 1775 black soldiers, including some slaves, fought against the British at the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill. But in 1776, The Declaration of Independence promised liberty for all men, but declined to put an end to slavery; and although they had proved themselves in battle, Congress embraced the idea of excluding black soldiers from the