During the 1700s, slaves played a very important role on the plantation, from sowing the land to caring for the livestock. But when the war started, many enslaved African Americans saw the opportunity for freedom. Britain had long before abolished slavery, so British armies often encouraged slaves to escape and join as soldiers. It was a good offer for the slaves; freedom in return for the life of a soldier and treated equally and many took the chance. Many slaves received their freedom without a formal emancipation. Although the majority of slaves remained in bondage, those who earned their freedom started free African American communities. At the end of 1775, the royal governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, offered the reward of freedom to