ABOLITIONIST MOVEMENT- effort by many groups and individuals to end slavery in the U.S.

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movement had historical roots, such as consistent opposition to slavery by Quakers and other religious groups; cultural developments, events and leadership expanded the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. Influence transcendentalism religious Description
Belief in human potential of individuals led many in support of abolishing slavery and other reform movements Some anti-slavery activists emerged from the religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening; many writers and speakers quoted passages from the bible to support abolition(most slave holders and textile factory owners were religious to, however) A network of abolitionists (like escaped slave Harriett Tubman), paths, and places that secretly helped slaves escape to the North and Canada (Slavery is against the law in Canada) Published the Liberator (Newspaper that called for the complete and immediate abolition of slavery by peaceful means); founded the New England Anti-Slavery Society Famous speaker, writer, newspaper editor, and reformer who had escaped slavery; his intellect and demeanor were proof for many that slaves, once freed, could function as independent citizens; believed in equality of all people and stated, I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong Book published in 1852 that depicted the horrors of slavery; made slavery a moral issue for many. It was the first time many northerners were exposed to the inequality and treatment of southern slaves. In 1859, Brown, his sons, and other fellow abolitionists formed an attack in Virginia in order to start a slave rebellion. He was caught and hung for treason and became a martyr (hero) for the abolitionist movement.

Underground railroad William Lloyd Garrison Frederick Douglass

Uncle Toms Cabin John Browns raid

Womens Rights, Labor, and other Reform Movements

Movement

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony led a movement to extend civil rights to women, such as, owning property and voting. The Seneca Falls (womens convention) conference resulted in issuing the Declaration of Sentiments. Both women were abolitionists and supporters of Temperance. Temperance to end or reduce the use of alcohol; promoted to cure the social ills by preacher, liberals, and conservatives. Educational Reform to educate all American children at public expense in order to create and educated and moral citizenry ( the beginning of the public school system) Labor Reform to restrict child labor and improve working conditions (especially in the factories and in the mines) Prison Reform to eliminate crowded cells, debtor prisons, corporal punishment, death penalty, and the conviction of the mentally ill or insane. Care of the Disabled to create state-supported asylums and schools (residential treatment centers- people live in the hospital) Movements and reforms lead to many changes in America. The treatment of the poor in an effort to improve living conditions in the crowded cities will improve all parts of society. Womens Rights

Goals

Abolitionist Movement

1) Why did it take so long for the abolitionist movement to become a major force for changing slavery laws in America?

2) Why do you think the book Uncle Toms Cabin affected change in the way people viewed slavery? Can books do the same today on other issues? Can you think of any?

Womens Rights, Labor, and Reform Movements

1) Why did it take so long for women to organize themselves into a movement which changes civil rights for women?

2) What types of changes in society were these movements hoping to get?