Abolition

Definition

Abolition refers to the movement aimed at ending slavery and the slave trade, primarily in the United States during the 19th century. This movement was fueled by moral, religious, and political arguments against the institution of slavery, leading to widespread activism and the eventual passage of laws to emancipate enslaved individuals. Abolition was not only a fight for the freedom of enslaved people but also a significant aspect of broader social reform efforts during this transformative period in American history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The abolition movement gained momentum in the early 19th century, influenced by the Second Great Awakening, which emphasized moral reform.
2. Key figures in the abolition movement included William Lloyd Garrison, who founded 'The Liberator', and Harriet Tubman, who played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad.
3. The movement faced significant opposition from pro-slavery advocates and politicians who defended slavery as a necessary institution for the economy.
4. Abolitionists used various strategies to promote their cause, including public speaking, writing pamphlets, and organizing protests and petitions.
5. The culmination of the abolition movement was the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Great Awakening influence the abolition movement in America?
  • The Second Great Awakening played a crucial role in shaping the abolition movement by promoting ideas of moral reform and social justice. Religious revivalism emphasized the belief that slavery was a sin and called for immediate action to end it. Abolitionists drew upon these religious sentiments to mobilize support for their cause, appealing to people's conscience and sense of morality. This revivalist energy provided a strong moral foundation for many abolitionist leaders and helped increase public awareness about the injustices of slavery.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies employed by abolitionists in their fight against slavery.
  • Abolitionists employed various strategies that proved effective in raising awareness and garnering support for their cause. Public speaking events allowed leaders like Frederick Douglass to share their personal stories, evoking empathy from audiences. Pamphlets, newspapers, and literature were distributed widely to inform the public about the realities of slavery. The Underground Railroad facilitated direct action by helping many enslaved people escape to freedom. Collectively, these strategies created a powerful grassroots movement that ultimately contributed to legislative changes like the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
• Analyze how abolitionism intersected with other reform movements of the 19th century and its impact on American society.
  • Abolitionism intersected significantly with other reform movements such as women's rights and temperance, as many activists were involved in multiple causes. The shared goal of achieving social justice created alliances among reformers who recognized that addressing one issue often meant confronting others. The abolition movement not only transformed views on slavery but also spurred discussions about civil rights, equality, and social change, laying foundational ideas for future movements. The tensions generated by abolitionism also contributed to sectional divides that ultimately led to the Civil War, showcasing its profound impact on American society.

Related terms

Emancipation Proclamation:

An executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory.

Underground Railroad:

A secret network of routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada.

Frederick Douglass:

An influential African American abolitionist, orator, and writer who escaped slavery and became a leading figure in the fight for emancipation.