Important Figures in the Abolitionist Movement

These flashcards encapsulate key terms and definitions related to the abolishment of slavery and the prominent figures who influenced the movement.

David Walker

Abolitionist and former slave who advocated for violent resistance against slavery and wrote 'Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World.'

William Lloyd Garrison

A prominent abolitionist known for his fierce advocacy against slavery and publishing the anti-slavery newspaper 'The Liberator.'

Frederick Douglass

Former slave, eloquent orator, and writer who fought for abolition and equal rights, and wrote the autobiographies detailing his life as a slave.

Sojourner Truth

A former slave and abolitionist who gave the famous speech 'Ain't I a Woman?' arguing for women's rights and against slavery.

Sarah Grimke

Abolitionist and women's rights advocate who challenged the traditional roles of women and wrote about the injustices of slavery.

Angelina Grimke

Abolitionist, sister of Sarah Grimke, who was the first woman to speak publicly against slavery in the U.S. and wrote influential pamphlets.

John Brown

Radical abolitionist known for his violent actions against slavery, including the raid at Harpers Ferry.

Hinton Helper

Author of 'The Impending Crisis of the South,' which argued that slavery was detrimental to the southern economy.

John C. Calhoun

A pro-slavery politician who defended the institution of slavery and argued that it was a 'positive good'.

George Fitzhugh

Pro-slavery theorist who argued that slavery was better than wage labor, claiming that enslaved people were better cared for.

Abolitionism

The movement to end slavery, which gained momentum in the early 19th century and was pivotal in pre-Civil War America.

Arguments for Slavery

Defenders of slavery claimed it was a necessary economic system and that enslaved people were happier than free laborers.

Arguments against Slavery

Opponents argued that slavery was morally wrong, a violation of human rights, and contrary to American democratic values.

Abolitionist Actions

Abolitionists took actions such as writing books, giving speeches, forming organizations, and participating in protests.

Emancipation

The act of freeing enslaved individuals, central to the abolitionist causes and later achieved through the 13th Amendment.

Sectional Tensions

Growing divisions between the North and South over slavery that contributed to political conflicts and the Civil War.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, which abolitionists sought to extend to formerly enslaved people.

Temperance Movement

A social movement against the consumption of alcoholic beverages that often intersected with abolitionist causes.

Women’s Rights Movement

A movement advocating for women’s suffrage and equality, often aligned with abolitionist efforts.

Appeal

A written request or plea, such as David Walker’s appeal to end slavery and promote Black unity.

Fourth of July Speech

Frederick Douglass's speech questioning the meaning of the holiday for enslaved people, highlighting injustice.