Marching toward Freedom

Abolitionists & the Arguments for Freedom

After the War of 1812

• North moved toward manufacturing and away from slavery

• South remained committed to agriculture and slave labor

• This created a form of “SECTIONALISM” within the country

• Westward expansion increased the conflict

First White “Abolitionists”

• Abolish – To end the observance or effect of; to destroy

• Abolitionist – Someone seeking to end or destroy slavery

The Fighters

• Quakers, aka, Society of Friends – 1st WHITE people in the country to organize against slavery

• Pennsylvania Abolition Society (PAS) – Started before Revolutionary War. Ben Franklin served as president of the Society

• New York Manumission Society – Ended slavery in New York state

The Fighters (Cont’d)

• New England Anti-Slavery Society – Prominent white abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison helped build this group. Goals were to abolish slavery and secure civil rights

• American Anti-Slavery Society – Established in Philadelphia in 1833 & led by William Lloyd Garrison. Same goal as New England’s Society

Popularity of Abolitionists

• Though few in number, they weren’t considered uncommon.

• After Nat Turner’s Rebellion all abolitionist activity came under fire & even the suspicion of abolitionist activity came under heavy fire