How Did Frederick Douglass Contribute To The Abolition Movement

The fight to abolish slavery lasted almost a century and was a never-ending conflict. There were hundreds of attempts to end slavery, but the Pennsylvania Society, the African Methodist Episcopal, Fredrick Douglas, and the underground railroad all made significant contributions that ultimately led to its abolition.

Pennsylvania society was the first abolition society of both races, in the western part of the world. They played a huge role in the abolition movement because they fought to protect anti-slavery laws. Quakers, some of the most authoritative religious figures, aided the society in the fight to free blacks by drafting documents and distributing them out, in hopes of gathering more to show support for the abolition movement. Many

Being a former slave, Fredrick Douglas was able to move people with his moving words and persuade them to support the abolitionist cause, not only in the US but also in Europe. Given the the fact that he experienced slavery firsthand, his statements brought to light the horrific characteristics of slavery. By writing “Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglas” which he had written himself, he illustrated the evils of slavery, all aspects of it leaving no stone unturned. The efforts of this book alone humanized the enslaved and gave people a reason to fight as well as having an impact on public opinion on slavery which inspired many to join the movement. He worked to persuade people to apply intense pressure on those in positions of governmental authority to eliminate slavery. Douglas' speeches were distributed

In one of his more famous speeches, “What to the Slave is The Fourth of July” Douglas gave so Americans and reflect on their independence and freedom while many others, the blacks, didn’t have that as well as criticizing slavery and American hypocrisy as well as increased awareness. Another way that Douglas spread awareness was through “The North Star” a prominent black newspaper that Douglas founded and edited which was also a big platform for spreading pro-abolition messages around the United States as well as promoting the Underground Railroad and providing information for those who sought freedom. Having a bond with Abe Lincoln, he influenced the President to allow African American men to enlist as soldiers in the Union Army. Douglass was too keen for black males to join the army because he believed that it would help speed up the “liberation of the black man and the protection and stability of the nation” ultimately paving the way for them to become citizens.

Lastly, the Underground Railroad was a system that aided slaves in fleeing. Supporters of this operation included abolitionists, free whites, groups, Quakers, free African Americans, and African Americans who had been kept in slavery. The Underground Railroad was used as a fight against the brutality and injustice of slavery. Abolitionists attempted to persuade others