Key Concepts in Abolitionism: Movements, Figures, and Ideologies

What does militant abolitionism emphasize?

A shift from gradual emancipation to immediate destruction of slavery, potentially involving confrontation or violence.

Who authored the radical antislavery document 'Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World'?

David Walker

What key ideas did David Walker promote in his appeal?

Condemnation of slavery, rejection of white paternalism, encouragement of resistance, and the belief that freedom is a God-given right.

What was the primary call of William Lloyd Garrison in 'The Liberator'?

Immediate, unconditional emancipation and moral suasion rooted in evangelical Christianity.

What did Frederick Douglass argue regarding the Constitution?

That it could be used as an antislavery weapon.

What organization was founded in 1833 to promote abolition?

American Anti-Slavery Society

What role did Black Vigilance Committees serve?

Provided legal aid, housing, and transportation for fugitives.

What was Henry Highland Garnet known for?

Advocating slave rebellion and delivering the famous 'Call to Rebellion' speech in 1843.

What was the significance of Sojourner Truth's speech 'Ain't I a Woman?'

It linked abolition to women's rights and challenged both racism and sexism.

What ideology did abolitionists emphasize regarding slavery?

Natural Rights Philosophy, Christian Morality, Republicanism, Black Nationalism, and Economic Modernization.

Who were key figures in the Underground Railroad?

Harriet Tubman, Jermain Loguen, and William Still.

What was the impact of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850?

It criminalized assistance to fugitives and radicalized Northern public opinion.

What was the outcome of the Dred Scott v. Sandford case?

Declared that Black people could not be citizens, strengthening abolitionist resolve.

What did John Brown's Raid in 1859 signify?

An armed insurrection attempt that marked a turn toward revolutionary violence.

How did Black women contribute to the abolitionist movement?

Through organizing fundraising fairs, circulating petitions, and producing abolitionist literature.

What was the role of Black churches in the Underground Railroad?

They served as mutual aid societies and centers for communication and support.

What was the main argument of abolitionists against slavery?

That it violated Enlightenment ideals, Christian morality, and corrupted democracy.

What did the abolitionist movement shift towards in the 1800s?

From peaceful reform to militant resistance as enslavers refused to end slavery.

What was the relationship between Black and white abolitionists?

They worked together but had differing focuses, with Black abolitionists emphasizing freedom and citizenship.

What was the significance of the Underground Railroad?

It demonstrated organized Black resistance and interracial cooperation to help enslaved people escape.

What were the consequences of proslavery backlash in the South?

Harsher laws were passed, and enslaved people faced severe punishment.

What did the abolitionist movement lay the groundwork for?

Black feminist political activism.

Who was the first Black woman newspaper editor in North America?

Mary Ann Shadd Cary

What did abolitionists use to expose the brutality of slavery?

Photography, speeches, newspapers, and slave narratives.

What did the abolitionist arguments against slavery include?

Natural rights, Christian morality, republicanism, Black nationalism, and economic modernization.

Acquittal

A legal judgment that a person is found not guilty of a crime.

Gradualism

The belief that slavery should be ended slowly over time rather than immediately.

Moral Suasion

Persuading people to oppose slavery by appealing to their conscience, religion, and sense of right and wrong.

Militant

Aggressive or willing to use force to achieve a goal.

Advocacy

Public support or argument for a cause.

Barbarism

Extreme cruelty or brutality.

Entreat

To beg or plead urgently.

Copyrights

Legal rights that protect authors and publishers.

Iconography

The use of symbols or images to represent ideas.

Arbitrary

Based on personal will rather than law or reason.