Slavery Abolitionists The Beginning of the End Gradualism
Slavery & Abolitionists The Beginning of the End
Gradualism • Most opposition to slavery believed in gradualism – the belief that slavery had to be ended gradually. ▫ Stop new slaves from being brought into U. S. ▫ Phase out slavery in the North and Upper South ▫ Phase out slavery in Lower South • Give Southern farmers financial compensation.
American Colonization Society • Group’s goal was to move African Americans back to Africa. ▫ Liberia ▫ Monrovia (capital) – named for President Monroe • Supporters: Madison, Monroe, Clay, Webster, Marshall.
Abolition Erupts • William Lloyd Garrison takes the lead. • Founds the Liberator, an anti-slavery newspaper in Boston. • Extremely passionate man, who wanted immediate end.
William Lloyd Garrison • “I am aware that many object to the severity of my language; but is there not cause for severity? I will be as harsh as truth and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject I do not wish to think, or speak, or write with moderation. No! Tell a man whose house is on fire to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother gradually remove her baby from the fire into which it has fallen – but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present. I am in earnest; I will not equivocate; I will not excuse; I will not retreat a single inch – AND I WILL BE HEARD!”
Frederick Douglass • Published his own newspaper North Star. • Wrote his own book Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
Sojourner Truth • Gained freedom when NY freed all their remaining slaves. • Gave eloquent, joyous, and deeply religious speeches for the anti-slavery movement.
Response to Abolition • Southerners defended slavery and its importance to the economy. • Many feared the North was attacking not just slavery, but their entire way of life. • Many were vehemently opposed to immediate emancipation.
The Polarization • While the North was building factories and big cities, the South remained largely agricultural. • The nation was developing into two different sections, who were set on their way only.
The Showdown is Set. . . • This is the beginning of conflict between the North and the South. • This conflict will intensify in this area and overflow into others in the next few years. • Eventually, America will go to war against itself to solve the issues.
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