How Is The Underground Railroad Similar To The Abolitionist Movement

By the early 1800’s, contempt for slavery had grown amongst the American public and many individuals decided to take action. The Underground Railroad and Abolition Movements were the two largest groups that fought against the establishment of slavery in the United States. While the Civil War officially ended slavery, The Underground Railroad and the Abolitionist movement were successful only because they worked together. While they are often intertwined in their efforts, the Underground Railroad was focused on freeing slaves, and the Abolitionist Movement was focused on winning public opinion.

While The Underground Railroad was similar to the Abolitionist Movement, the direct effect of the railroad and the people involved varied from those

Benjamin Lundy was one of the most prominent and recognizable members of the Abolitionist Movement who worked feverishly against the establishment of slavery. Lundy joined and created various groups, societies, and newspapers, all of which attacked the establishment of slavery and called for an end to the inhumane treatment of slaves. He founded the Union Humane Society, a society that he had plans on becoming a national organization, The Philanthropist, an Anti-Slavery newspaper, and he lectured and wrote articles on the subject of slavery (McGuire and Wheeler, “Benjamin Lundy”). Lundy worked constantly to try and convince and inform people against slavery to hopefully eradicate the practice within the United States. While he may not have risked his life, he faced large amounts of scrutiny and even put his life in danger by taking such strong positions against slavery. Unfortunately, most of Lundy’s work went without any direct effect towards the end of slavery. Lundy accrued no support for the idea of freeing slaves in the Deep South, the most vital location, which resulted in him turning his focus to freed slaves in other countries (McGuire and Wheeler, “Benjamin Lundy”). While all involved in the Abolitionist Movement were incredibly brave and worked tirelessly to try and gain support

Levi Coffin was a Quaker and former Southerner who eventually became an active member of the Underground Railroad once he moved to Indiana. In his time aiding the process, it is believed that he helped over 2,000 slaves escape from captivity and seek asylum in the Northern states (McCaslin). Coffin was named the president of the Underground Railroad due to the fact that he helped so many slaves escape he was deemed as one of the most successful conductors on the Underground Railroad. Robert Purvis is another example of a person who was a multifaceted asset for both groups. Purvis worked with fellow Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison and was another founding member of the Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia. Purvis also aided in establishing the Library Company of Philadelphia, he lectured across the country and world against the establishment of slavery, and he opposed plans to resettle freed slaves (Watts). Purvis was an engaged member in the Abolitionist Movement and not only did he devote enormous amounts of time and energy to the cause, he was also a conductor along the Underground Railroad. Purvis’ house was a major station along the Underground Railroad as he was conveniently located in the Philadelphia area, he would help the slaves formulate a plan to seek asylum and freedom in Canada, and it is approximated