Angelina Grimke Case

An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South was written by Angelina Grimke. Grimke's predisposition was that slavery is a crime against humanity, and that women should do any and everything they can to aide in the fight to abolish it. In her appeal she addresses the audience as her fellow Christian women, and the document was published publicly in 1836 in an abolitionist's newspaper. The main topic of the appeal details American slavery in contrast to patriarchal and biblical servitude, as well as what women can, and should do to help in the fight to abolish slavery. The author's thesis is that all men are created equal and all slavery and excuses need to cease and desist.

Angelina Grimke wrote the document in the South, which made it all the more controversial since she was imploring for her fellow Southern Christian women to abolish slavery. At the time the document was written it was during the Second Great Awakening, where religion had a monumental influence on one's life. Additionally slavery was more than accepted in the South, it was literally the way of life. Ultimately Grimke wanted to make a difference and had high hopes that her fellow Christian women would not be able to resist her pleas since she was one with them biologically as well as in their Christian faith. The document is very credible and has ample sources and support for her arguments.

This document reveals the dark secrets, horrors, and contradictions of slavery that were present in both the North and the South. It also reveals the importance of religion in the Antebellum America, but also how religion was at times misconstrued, interpreted, or intended to cover up and excuse the sins of slavery. The document today gives us an insight into the reality of American slavery and can also be used as a tool to empower women.

Angelina Grimke declares in her Appeal to the Christian Women of the South, that there is "a self-evident truth that all men everywhere and of every color are born equal, and have an inalienable right to liberty, then it is equally true that no man can be born a slave, and no man can ever rightfully be reduced to involuntary bondage and held as a slave, however fair may be the claim of his master or mistress through wills and title-deeds." The sins of slavery and what must be done to rectify and abolish the slave trade is the theme in her appeal. Grimke addresses the misconception that the Bible condones slavery, as well as addressing the difference in treatment and punishment towards American slaves compared to that of biblical servants, carefully pointing out the fallacies with evidence from scriptures as well as research into how the servants actually became servants, as well as how they were protected by law; a stark contrast to that of American slaves that barely had a voice, and were certainly not protected by any laws.

Grimke urges women in her appeal to act on the subject of slavery, and not just stand idly by and accept or condone this heinous institution. She advises the women to read and research scriptures, and books to educate themselves and gain a new perspective, she advises to pray over the subject for guidance and strength to stand up for what is right. She also beseeches the women to speak about the subject to their family, friends, and acquaintances, and attempt to "ameliorate" the slave's conditions that wait upon them. Lastly she requests for the women to act on the issue. She advises the women to liberate their own slaves if they are slave owners, or to pay the slaves wages for their hard work if they wish to remain with their masters, and to educate them so they might have a fighting chance in the world once liberated.

Angelina Grimke was a pioneer in the fight for women's rights, and her appeal to the Christian women of the South was an attempt to further that cause as well as bring to light the injustices of slavery, since those that profess they are Christian have a duty to act on this injustice. Grimke acknowledges that women had no legislative power and that it may seem fruitless to attempt to overthrow slavery; however she counteracts by directing the women to do their duty as Christians and to follow in the footsteps of the courageous heroines of biblical times, as well as the women from Britain and other countries who bravely stood their ground in their faith and fulfilled their duty. "Have not women stood up in all the dignity, and strength of moral courage to be the leaders of the people, and to bear a faithful testimony for the truth whenever the providence of God has called them to do so?" Becoming moral courageous leaders is Grimke's appeal to these women, and in becoming leaders women's status in society would actually become elevated, along with the slaves.

When Grimke addresses women personally in her appeal, guiding them in what they can actually do to aide in her conquest of abolishing slavery she carefully advises the women to read, pray, speak, and act on the subject.