The Abolitionist Movement

Abolitionism is antislavery activism between the early 1830s, when William Lloyd Garrison began publishing The Liberator, and the Civil War. By the year 1834, there existed a weak framework of abolitionists, many who were determined to free black slaves from the north who had a same goal, the emancipation of slavery. These abolitionists were courageous, slavery was either against their moral beliefs and gave the anti-slavery movement the growing popularity that it needed. I believe that the abolitionists (only anti-slavery persons), who wanted an immediate end to slavery, radicalized the anti-slavery movement by demanding an, immediate end to slavery and recognition of equality by the year 1836.

By the year 1607, Americans realized that the Chesapeake was immensely hospitable to tobacco cultivation. However growing tobacco meant more labor, but where was the labor source to be from? The Colonies found their answer in indentured servant, servants who voluntarily mortgaged the sweat of their bodies for several years to Chesapeake masters. In exchange they revived transatlantic passage and eventual "freedom dues." However, due to various reasons, indentured servants no longer poured in to America as they had previously done. Thus, the importation of slaves from Africa began. Many rich plant owners, etc did not think of the moral obligations that one has toward God and were greedy. They exploited these poor, innocent, capable, Blacks and changed the World forever.

Also, abolitionist began to demand racial equality in addition to emancipation. The idea that blacks were equal to whites was extreme, because racism was still very strong even among the North which was traditionally against Slavery. Peter Williams' request for equal privileges and end to prejudices was not supported by most of the north, which supported emancipation not because they believed in racial equality, but because they felt slavery was an unjust Southern advantage. Most of the North was not ready for such a radical step taken by the Abolitionists forward towards racial equality.

The American Anti-Slavery Society wrote in its Constitution that black people were no longer considered as property that could be kicked around. And that Black people are now thought of as citizens, and must be given their God-given rights. The American Anti-Slavery Society demanded immediate abolition, because slavery is a sin.

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