Characteristics or Beliefs
• Liberty: After learning how to read, Douglass read about free African Americans and desired liberty
(freedom) for all slaves. In 1838, he escaped from slavery by dressing up as a sailor and rode a train to
New York. He lived in fear of being captured and of being returned to Maryland. Douglass eventually
traveled to Great Britain to avoid being captured. He remained there until December 5, 1846 when his
British friends paid $711.66 to Hugh Auld for his freedom. He then returned to the United States and
lived in Rochester, New York.
• Justice: Douglass met with President Lincoln to discuss slavery issues. He wanted African Americans to
have equal treatment under the law.
• Civil Rights: He supported equal rights for women and women’s rights to vote.
• Freedom of Expression: Douglass, an abolitionist, attended meetings and gave speeches about the
terrible treatment that slaves received. Douglass also used his freedom of speech to write a book,
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave and published The North Star
Newspaper. After buying his freedom, he continued to speak against slavery in different areas and met
with other abolitionist like Susan B. Anthony.
New Bedford1838
Social Barriers or Obstacles
• Being African American during this time period
• Born into slavery
• Learning to read / education
• Escaping slavery and avoid being captured
Locations:
Rochester-1848
Baltimore, Maryland
Born and enslaved
Learns to read
Baltimore Harbor-busy location giving him his
best opportunity to escape
New Bedford, Massachusetts
After moving around to several places, he lives
here and becomes an abolitionist speaker.
Rochester, NY
Starts The North Star
Part of the Underground Railroad
Met Susan B. Anthony, an abolitionist
Washington, DC
Douglass met with President Lincoln to discuss
slavery issues
Baltimore1818-1838