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Frederick Douglass Essays

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Southerners during the 19th century believed slavery was a valuable commodity. According to the Historical Statistics of the United States, it was estimated that there were around three million slaves throughout that time period (“Statistics on Slavery”). Also, during this time, women were denied many governmental rights. In a time ...

of social oppression regarding the human rights of women and African Americans, this caused sparked many activists struggling to fight for the freedom all people deserve. A variety of different people supported these movements but one of the most prominent figures was Frederick Douglass. He endured many of hardships in his years of slavery, but he used these experiences to better himself into becoming one of the most influential Civil Rights Activists in American history. Frederick Douglass’s efforts helped foster women’s rights and cultivate civilians to end the practice of slavery, forever changing history.

Frederick Douglass was born in February 1808 in Tuckahoe, Maryland. Born into slavery, he became one of the most eminent advocates of abolition. Douglass grew up through a childhood of punishments. Growing up as a slave and seeing the aspects of slavery ached Douglass (Hagler). Douglass was later sent to Baltimore to live with Hugh Auld for seven years. His old mistress, Sophia Auld, taught Douglass the alphabet and then how to spell simple words. As soon as Hugh Auld discovered this, he forbade Sophia to ever teach Douglass again. Although his mistress never sought to teach Douglass again, he finally understood the pathway to freedom (Douglass 29). With the help of Sophia Auld, it commenced a journey to literacy. In addition, Douglass began reading books and discovered the word “abolitionist.” This influenced Douglass to escape slavery and advocate for abolition.

Douglass is one of the foremost figures in American history because of his impact through his speeches and inspiration. Douglass became the first male to diligently participate in the Seneca Falls Convention. The Seneca Falls Convention was a meeting that instituted hope that women will be given the same rights as men. During his participation, Douglass became one of thirty men to sign the Declaration of Sentiments which hoped to gain civil and social rights for women (Frederick Douglass). Furthermore, this unveiled Douglass’s devotion to women’s suffrage.

Douglass helped establish many goals of the abolitionist movement. After his escape at age 20, he soon “established himself in the anti-slavery movement” (American Slavery). Douglass also published a newspaper called the North Star with the help of The Women’s Association of Philadelphia. The North Star solely became one of the most influential anti-slavery publications. The motto of the North Star was “Right is Of No Sex. Truth is Of No Color.” Moreover, it helped raise abolishing slavery, and also helped the women’s rights movement. Despite that Douglass was a slave, his oratory was so profound, that his speeches were so powerful. Douglass’s speeches “often pointed out the hypocrisy of the fact that the same patriotic Americans who fought for liberty and freedom could enslave an entire people.” (“Major Events in” ). His contribution as a conductor for the Underground Railroad furthered the cause of the abolitionists (“Douglass, Frederick”).

During the duration of his life, he also published three autobiographies, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom, and Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.

A prominent figure associated with Frederick Douglass was Abraham Lincoln. Douglass disputed with Abraham Lincoln about many things such as black soldiers receiving half the pay as white soldiers (American Slavery). During the time of the Civil War, “tensions over slavery erupted” (“Frederick Douglass and”). At this time, Douglass was a consultant to Abraham Lincoln. Douglass persuaded Lincoln that the abolition of slavery should be the aspiration of the war ( “Douglass’s Role in”). The outcome of the Civil War was the Emancipation Proclamation which “granted freedom to the slaves in the Confederate States if the States did not return to the Union by January 1, 1863 (“Emancipation”). After many years of hard work, Frederick Douglass later died on February 20, 1895, in Washington D.C. due to a heart attack.

Frederick Douglass is remembered in history for helping strengthen diversity in America. Today, he is commemorated for being a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement. In addition, he is acknowledged as the “Father of the Civil Rights Movement”. There are many monuments dedicated to Douglass. One of the statutes is localized in Highland Park in New York. It is an eight-foot-tall bronze statue that was first located in front of a New York Central Train Station. This monument was first built in 1899 by the sculptor Stanley Edward. Another statue of Douglass stands at either entrance to the New York Historical Society.

It has been a century since Frederick Douglass became one of the greatest influencers of his time. Douglass endeavored his time in fueling the abolitionist movement in America. Not only did Douglass fight for African Americans’ suffrage, but also for women’s. Douglass changed America in regard to civil rights and social oppression. He is without a doubt, a monumental figure in America’s history.   

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Frederick Douglass As An Influential Leader In Black History

February is the month in which many nations celebrate Black History Month, paying tribute to generations of African Americans who experienced hardships to achieve citizenship in American Society. There are many African Americans who have made Back History as it is seen today and one notable person is Frederick Douglass. Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey was born into slavery around February 1818 in Tablet, Maryland. He lived with his maternal grandmother, Betty Baile but was selected to live in the home...
1 Page 600 Words

The Impact Of Frederick Douglass On American History

To begin with, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,written by Frederick Douglass is a book written during the Slavery period which was during the 1850’s. The topic of this Narrative is slavery, Douglass explained in many various ways how Slavery was wrong and shouldnt be allowed. The purpose of Douglass writing this Autobiography was to convince us, the readers to put an end to slavery, which back at the time slavery still existed. Frederick Douglass was born a...
2 Pages 923 Words

The Meaning Of Fredrick Douglass To American History

Frederick Douglass was previously a slave who broke free from the chains of his masters before becoming a well known advocate against slavery. Conceived and taken from a slave mother when only a newborn child, against his will received much harsh treatments, for example, experiencing hunger, and abuse. Frederick was one of the few slaves that received any education although to a limited degree by the wife of a slave owner. In the age of twenty, Frederick got away from...
2 Pages 1012 Words

Rhetorical Analysis: Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass

Fredrick Douglass depicts his own style of writing in his memoir, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Douglass, one of the most famous American slaves, has a writing style that is more old-fashioned, intimate, and direct. He belives that slavery should be should be abolished and he illustrates to the reader by telling his story. He shares how he tolerated being a slave and working for several slaveholders. Also how he overcame slavery and how he was able to...
2 Pages 1077 Words

If There is No Struggle, There is No Progress Essay

Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without thunder and lightning”. This quote summarizes Frederick Douglass’s trials and tribulations throughout his life. Frederick Douglass impacted American Literature tremendously throughout his life with powerful writings and speeches. He’d change many views of slavery throughout America about slavery in the 1800s. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass’s life didn’t start like many other popular authors. His most popular work, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,...
2 Pages 801 Words

Did the Nation Achieve the Goals That Douglass and Lincoln Desired

Douglass is the one who ended the slavery in united states of America and Abraham Lincoln had a big role in slavery because he helped them free slavery and he was the 16th president of united states he maintained the union during the civil war and speaking on Nation they probably achieved their goal because the one of the most important debate on slavery was done so there is no more slavery in America and constitution helped them to be...
2 Pages 769 Words

Essay on Frederick Douglass

Southerners during the 19th century believed slavery was a valuable commodity. According to the Historical Statistics of the United States, it was estimated that there were around three million slaves throughout that time period (“Statistics on Slavery”). Also, during this time, women were denied many governmental rights. In a time of social oppression regarding the human rights of women and African Americans, this caused sparked many activists struggling to fight for the freedom all people deserve. A variety of different...
2 Pages 840 Words

The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution and Racial Discrimination

As citizens of the United States, we have the right to be given “fair procedures” without discrimination under the protection of the 14th amendment. Due process insures every citizen’s right to a fair trial, hearing, and any other procedure needed when convicted of a crime. However, for as long as the 14th amendment has been in existence, there have been countless deaths and cases of racial injustice that have not ensured due process. Today, too many Americans, especially minorities seem...
5 Pages 2492 Words

Frederick Douglass' Experience Of Slavery

Knowledge was always a key to life. A lot of time is spent to educate people, for good reason too since it is what keeps the economy stable. It gives people a mentality that lets them to think for themselves. And of course, knowledge helped to gain freedom. From slavery, to women’s rights, it is the main reason how we got to the world as we know it. Knowledge gave a chance to evolve as people and as a society....
1 Page 516 Words

Abolitionist’s Individual Experience With Slavery

When thinking of the causes and matters of slavery, evangelization, tyrannical, and dominance, should be taken into consideration. Spanish Colonist, BartolomĂŠ De Las Casas, witnessed evangelization, tyrannical, and dominance first-hand when he traveled alongside the Europeans to many locations, such as the Land of the Indians, for the purpose of evangelization. After De Las Casas realized that the Europeans were not exercising a peaceful evangelization but tyrannical instead, he changed his views on the trade slave and became an advocate...
4 Pages 1595 Words

Frederick Douglass And Martin Luther King, Jr. Against Slavery

The treatment of black Americans and civil rights are huge ongoing topics that began seemingly since the beginning of time. There have been numerous activists over the past several decades through American history fighting for justice and humane treatment. Frederick Douglas did not necessarily begin the civil rights movement; however, he was a major player in the growing demand for freedom and rights. Less than one hundred years later, Martin Luther King, Jr. was still fighting for civil rights for...
3 Pages 1399 Words

The Fourth of July Is not an Important Day for Everyone

Throughout American history, there have been many incidents of oppression regarding the people of the United States especially African Americans. Frederick Douglass’ speech ‘What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?’ shows that The Declaration of Independence is not only historically important, but it also has faults. Both documents briefly discuss the British crown and freedom in both cases. But there are some similarities along with differences to look at within the two documents. Including more oppression and considering...
3 Pages 1342 Words

Slavery Rooted In America's Early History

Explanation of the event Slavery, the treatment of human beings as property, deprived of personal right. Slavery started in the 17th century and continued up until the 18th century. Africans were kidnapped and pushed into slavery where they were put into American colonies and exploited to work.” Africans were used as a form of labour in farming tobacco, cotton, rice and sugar canes. (Elliott, 2019) These were labour intensive jobs and servants were scarce, meaning the work load per slave...
2 Pages 1119 Words

The Uniqueness Of Two Of The Most Influential Black African American Men

Malcolm X and Frederick Douglass are from different time periods, both men have some things in common . With Douglass, being a slave, and Malcolm X, a criminal, both were stripped of having the right to obtain an education. The two activists grew up to realize the importance of education, reading and writing, or simply, the basis of establishing an education. The writings of both Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X reflect the trials and tribulations undergone by the black men...
2 Pages 959 Words

Frederick Douglass: Most Influential Abolitionists Of Time

Frederick Douglass was born a slave, taught himself how to read and write, lectured in the United States and England, and wrote three autobiographies. He was also one of President Abraham Lincoln’s friends. Frederick Douglass was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey was born on a Maryland plantation as a slave in February of 1818, according to his master’s inventory. His slave mother, named Harriet Bailey, was a field hand while his father was a white man. As a young boy,...
3 Pages 1433 Words

Frederick Douglass And Slavery

In the Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass stated, “all of the white children could tell their ages. I could not tell why I ought to be deprived of the same privilege.” (Chapter I) The quote from the Narrative would hit home to many slaves, this is one of the many ways that slaves were dehumanized and treated more like cattle than human beings. Even though some slaves managed to escape from the south there is proof throughout the Life...
2 Pages 1062 Words

Frederick Douglass's 'What a Slave Is the Fourth of July?' Speech: Uncomfortable Points

Fredick Douglass, born into slavery in 1818, in Talbot County, Maryland. Douglass is in fact known for giving an astounding speech. In 1852, Douglas was invited to give a speech at Independence Day celebration. His speech, ‘What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?’ was delivered at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, held at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. There were around 500 people in attendance that paid twelve cents to listen. He...
1 Page 406 Words

Defying Racial Prejudice: Douglass & Melville

In her lyric, ​Citizen​, Claudia Rankine writes, “because white men can’t, police their mimagination, black men are dying”. These words illustrate the predisposed attitudes ‘white men’ identify with ‘black men’. In this context, it is in reference to police brutality toward African Americans during the 1990s. It suggests that rather than understanding a person as an individual, they are distinguished by their ethnicity defined by society’s perception of that race. In regards to literature, this quote can be interpreted through...
6 Pages 2520 Words

Frederick Douglass As An Activist Of Civil Rights Movement

Frederick Douglass began a Bible study for the African Americans who couldn’t read and didn’t have access to the Bible on the plantation. However, it only lasted for so long until the slave owners found out and demanded against their practices. which in reality was going against the freedom of religion because most of the slaves were unable to read the Bible for themselves they depended on what the white slave owners claimed that was in the Bible to base...
1 Page 662 Words

Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and Jacob Lawrence: Analytical Essay

Jacob Lawrence was an African-American artist that was well known for his series of creations that provided a representation of the African-American life. Born September 7, 1917; Jacob Lawrence became one the best African-American painters amongst the 20th century. Constructing breathtaking work based on living life in Harlem, historical events, and important justice such as, social realism, and the African-American experiences. It is clear as to why he achieved so much success in the early parts of his career. Jacob...
3 Pages 1419 Words

Importance of Education: Views of Richard Rodriguez, Frederick Douglass, Chris McCandless

A good education is something that all children, teens, and young adults across America deserve, but what’s the point of it? Over time, people learn the basic skills needed to function in society such as reading, writing, and basic arithmetic, but beyond that, what’s the purpose? Although people are going to college more than ever, so many more are asking why they’re even there. They may ask themselves, “why am I wasting four years of my life for a piece...
3 Pages 1194 Words

Critical Analysis of Douglass' and Wheatley's Poetry

Frederick Douglass: An escaped slave, he is in his mid-twenties, but the first twenty years of his life were from 1818 – 1838. The last few have taken place in the 2010s. He is headstrong, confident, traumatized by slavery, and adamant about how Black people are truly not free until everything is 100% equal. He is now an upcoming artist who tells his story through music. Phillis Wheatley: She is also in her mid-twenties, she is a former slave, who...
2 Pages 1044 Words

Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass: The Purpose Of Slavery

‘What to the slave is the Fourth of July'(Douglass). The fourth of July is a juncture in which citizens can celebrate fireworks, barbecue, and spending time with friends and families. In 1852, Frederick Douglass explained ‘what to the fourth of July’ means to African Americans. Douglass explains the important factors and differences between men and women in 1852, similarities between slaves and servants, and differences animals used in 1852. First, Douglass discusses the battle between men and women. Women should...
2 Pages 1076 Words

The Bread Of Knowledge: The Enduring Effect Of Education On Slavery

Since the beginning of civilization, slavery has persisted and expanded due to racism and the demand for cheap labor. The most tumultuous social changes in the United States occurred just prior to and during the Civil War with slavery being the primary debate. Arguably, the most influential African American individual of the time period was Frederick Douglass. Douglass escaped slavery and became a powerful spokesman for the Abolition movement. In his book, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,...
3 Pages 1340 Words

Frederick Douglass: Slave Narrative Comparison Essay

Did you know that some researchers have charged that the WPA interviewers edited out parts they found unimportant, but were critical to the enslaved person: religion, cruel plantation owners, lynching’s, runaways, punishment and stories about serving in the Union Army. The formerly enslaved were more open and honest when the interviewer recording their stories was African-American. However, WPA only hired a few. In addition, if the interviewer was a white woman, they were apt to be more open than with...
3 Pages 1404 Words

Comparison Of Douglass And Jacobs Slave Narrative

Slave Narratives are non-fictional account of the lives of the African American people who worked at the plantations where they were kept in inhuman conditions. They are biographical or autobiographical, the former being a result of a lack of education and consequently, no knowledge or practice of writing. They are also the main form of African American literature of the 19th century. They documented the inhuman practices that the slaves had to go through with no relief or rescue coming...
4 Pages 1936 Words

Influence Of Frederick Douglass On Slavery Awareness

Frederick Douglass was a man that was full of wise words and he once said, “if there is no struggle, there is no progress,” and that defines his life and importance. Frederick Douglass, born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, a former slave who escaped and later went on to become one of the leading African American leaders of his time, as he became a “famous intellectual who advised presidents, gave lectures, was an early supporter of women’s rights”, and was an...
2 Pages 963 Words

Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass: Education’s Reversal Of Slave Ignorance And Gateway Towards Freedom

Until the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862, slavery had remained a vital facet of American society and a main function of the country’s prosperity. The large cash crop production and slave ownership of the south created a system of slavery that would cease to be abolished until after the country errupted into civil war in 1861. Yet, before the abolition of slavery, very few slaves were lucky enough to escape their enslavers and reach the freedom which awaited them in northern...
3 Pages 1255 Words

Fredrick Douglass VS John C. Calhoun: The Usage Of Rhetorical Devices

In the 18th century, the debate of slavery was a popular subject but was mainly only discussed by the white men who had never known the other side of the story and had never experienced firsthand the squalor that the slaves truly had to go through day in and day out. John C. Calhoun, author of “Slavery A Positive Good,” is one of those men and claims that slavery is, in fact, helping African-Americans and that it ensures they do...
3 Pages 1256 Words

Frederick Douglass: The Catalyst For Racial Equality

Politics and general political theory has always been both a polarizing and controversial topic to write on. The readers often come from various political and social backgrounds that have shaped their views of the world and society. Consequently, poetry, stories, or whatever one is creating which envelops the political theme, is often not well received by those who think or believe differently. It is a rare occurrence when the topic or theme the author is exploring in their work is...
3 Pages 1210 Words
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