Ch. 15.4
THE ANTI-SLAVERY MOVEMENT
*By 1840 there were nearly 2.5 million slaves in the South.
Anti-Slavery Societies
*The Anti-Slavery movement started after the Revolutionary War. The first organization was started by
the Quakers in 1775.
*Most groups were started for political reasons. Reformers felt that “All Men Are Created Equal” needed
to apply to African Americans as well. By 1792 Anti-Slavery groups were in all states as far south as
Virginia.
Abolitionist Leaders
*African Americans John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish started the Freedom’s Journal, the first antislavery newspaper. David Walker directly addressed slaves in his publication of An Appeal to the
Coloured Citizens of the World, calling on them to fight for their freedom. This created a more militant
movement.
ABOLITIONISTS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
*William Lloyd Garrison calls for immediate emancipation in his Boston anti-slavery newspaper, The
Liberator.
The Fight Against Slavery Expands
*Garrison founds New England Anti-Slavery Society in 1833.
American Anti-Slavery Society founded in 1835. By 1836, there are 500 chapters nationwide with
150,000 members by 1840.
*These groups demanded immediate and unconditional emancipation.
Supporters of the Anti-Slavery Movement
*Angelina and Sarah Grimke:
Elijah Lovejoy:
Horace Greeley:
Wendell Phillips:
*Isabella Baumfree:
*Frederick Douglass:
The Underground Railroad
*Starting in 1817, this was a series of secret houses where “conductors” held runaway slaves until it was
safe to move on to the next safe house. Runaways traveled north. Some all the way into Canada.
Harriet Tubman:
RESPONSE TO THE ANTI-SLAVERY MOVEMENT
*Some abolitionists became very unpopular nationwide. Garrison supported the peaceful separation of
free and slave states.
Northern Workers React Against Abolitionists
*Northern mill owners and bankers, who depended on southern cotton, were among those against
abolition. Others felt that freed slaves might move north and take their jobs accepting less pay.
*Some abolitionists were harassed for their views and beliefs.
*Elijah Lovejoy, owner of the Alton Observer:
Southerners Defend Slavery
*Many Southerners accused abolitionists of encouraging slave violence.
Clergy:
Southern Abolitionists remained quiet or moved north.
*The anti-slavery movement further divided the north and south. Southern states threatened secession.
*The anti-slavery movement threatened the Southern way of life. In the House of Representatives, a gag
rule was placed on abolitionist proposals.
*At this time, no prominent politician wished to put the Union at risk by attacking slavery.
15.5
THE WOMEN’S RIGHTS MOVEMENT
*Their involvement in anti-slavery movements gave women responsibilities outside the home. They
learned skills that they applied to their own cause.
*In 1840 women attended the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London, but were prohibited from
participating by the men that were there. The women and some of the men protested.
*After debate on the issue, it was decided that women could attend, but not participate in the discussions.
*Lucretia Coffin Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton decided they would take action toward social and
political rights.
The Seneca Falls Convention
*In 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention was held. This was the first Women’s Rights convention.
Here, both men and women declared that “all men and women are created equal.”
*The Seneca Falls Declaration is written listing several resolutions. One of them being women’s
suffrage.
*This convention marked the start of the Women’s Rights Movement. Women did not achieve all of the
goals, but many states did pass laws protecting their rights to own property and keep their earnings. This
movement continued to be opposed by both men and women.
Lucy Stone Speaks Out
*She desired an education.
*At 16 becomes a teacher. At 25 attends Oberlin College in Ohio, working multiple jobs to pay for
school. Her father lends her money to finish.
*Teachers ask her to write a commencement speech that would be read by a man. Stone refuses.
*When allowed to make public speeches she was verbally attacked, doused with water and hit with books.
*Despite the attacks she perseveres. Her constant reminder of societies views of women is her motivation
*Began speaking publicly for Women’s Rights in 1847
*Became known as “the morning star of the women’s rights movement”.
Susan B. Anthony Enters the Movement
*A powerful organizer, Quaker, educated, teacher. Joined the temperance movement and worked for the
American Anti-Slavery Society.
*President of the American Women’s Suffrage Movement, and encouraged full participation of African
Americans in the women’s suffrage movement.
*Due to her efforts, New York granted women the guardianship of their children and control of their
wages.
African American Women Join the Struggle
*African American women join the fight for women’s rights.
*For African American women, abolition was a more pressing concern. Sojourner Truth fought for both
and reminded other African American women that they had a place in both movements.
*As African American women fought to abolish slavery, they inspired other women that they could
influence their own lives.