Was the American Revolution Fought to Save Slavery?

...in the 1770’s, a major decision was made in the British courts that was instrumental, offered hope to slave communities and had a tremendous impact. James Sommerset was the “erstwhile” slave of American Charles Stewart. Stewart brought Sommerset with him to London in 1769. In September of 1771, Sommerset disappeared and found refuge. On November 26, 1771 Sommerset was kidnapped and placed on board a ship bound for Jamaica where he was likely to be sold. The abolitionist community in London went to work in his support. In 1772, after countless deliberations, the British Lord Chief Justice Mansfield finally ruled in favor of Sommerset. Mansfield said “?the exercise of power of a master over his slave must be supported by the laws of particular countries; but no foreigner can in England claim such a right over a man; such a claim is not known to the laws of England?the Man must be discharged.”

Word spread like wildfire throughout the slave communities in America that Britain was freeing slaves. This was simply not the case as Lord Mansfield went to great lengths to try to stress the importance of this particular case and not a judgment of slavery overall. But the interpretation was broad and the perception was that freedom was more likely to be with the British than with the American colonists.

The writing was on the wall after this case. Slavery would not be tolerated on British soil, and would in time be abolished in British colonies. This was unacceptable to the southern colonies, as slavery was the foundation of the southern economy.

This is also consistent with one of the most popular philosophical ideas of the time. Particularly John Locke’s trinity, “life, liberty, and property.”

Crucially, the idea of property rights and ownership. It's not difficult to understand why this was popular, or difficult to imagine how it was applied.

The ratified version of this idea that is contained in the Constitution was modified to the "pursuit of happiness".