The Abolitionist Movement Abolition What is abolition Definition

The Abolitionist Movement

Abolition ► What is abolition? § Definition: The end of slavery § A movement that began in the 1830 s ► Abolitionists argued that enslaved African Americans should be freed immediately ► In the eyes of Abolitionists, slavery was an enormous evil of which the country needed to repent

David Walker & Walker’s Appeal

David Walker & Walker’s Appeal ► The first well-known abolitionist ► A free African American from North Carolina ► Published Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World ► Advocated violence and rebellion as the only way to end slavery

William Lloyd Garrison

William Lloyd Garrison ► Responsible for rapid spread of abolitionist movement ► Founded Boston’s antislavery newspaper, The Liberator ► Believed slavery was immoral and slaveholders were evil ► Only option = immediate emancipation, or freeing of all enslaved people

Grimke Sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimke

The Grimke Sisters ► From South Carolina (father was a plantation owner) ► Moved North to work openly against slavery ► Also fought for women’s rights

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass ► Escaped slave from Maryland ► Published The North Star, an antislavery newspaper ► Published an autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass ► One of the most prominent African American figures of the movement

Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth ► Gained freedom in 1827 ► Gave well-spoken, joyous and deeply religious speeches that drew large crowds ► Engaged listeners with humor, personal stories, contagious singing and strong antislavery messages

Nat Turner

Nat Turner ► Southern slave who led an uprising in 1831 ► Killed over 50 Virginians ► Rebellion caused Southern slave owners to tighten control of blacks and demand the suppression of abolitionist material

Reaction to Abolitionist Movement • • • Northern Reaction Feared large migration of African Americans to the North Feared an upset of the social system would lead to war with the South Many Northerners sympathized with slaves – did not want to return them to slave owners Southern Reaction • Slave holders defended slavery as vital to their economic stability • Argued slaves enjoyed a close, friendly relationship with their owners • Demanded suppression of abolitionist material

Practice Questions All of the following were leaders in abolitionism EXCEPT A) Frederick Douglass B) The Grimké sisters C) John C. Calhoun D) William Lloyd Garrison

Practice Questions All of these methods were used during the abolitionist movement to spread the message EXCEPT A) Speeches B) Newspapers C) Rebellions D) Negotiations with Plantation owners