Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass was a brilliant and influential speaker, writer, and thinker. The fact that he had escaped from slavery in Maryland in 1838, and written his autobiography in 1845, made him an authentic authority. His speeches and articles helped to energize and mobilize the abolitionist movement. In his outspoken criticism of Lincoln prior to 1863, Douglass helped to exert pressure on the president to abolish slavery.
Read excerpts from one of Douglass’s most famous speeches, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” As you read, note his arguments against slavery. Then answer the questions below.
Reading: “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July” by Frederick Douglass.
Photograph of Frederick Douglass c. 1850
Take Notes
Why did Frederick Douglass consider July 4th a day of mourning rather than rejoicing? How did he contrast the founding of America “in the name of liberty” with the current practice of slavery? How did he define freedom in America in 1852?
Calderwood Writing Course: U.S. History
