Frederick Douglass: The Cruelty Of Slavery

Throughout history there were many heinous situations involving slavery that changed many perspectives on human rights. As the horrors of slavery were exhibited to citizens, many were petrified and some courageous, outspoken people fought to eliminate it. Frederick Douglass, a renowned freed slave became a prevalent abolitionist leader during the 19th century. In his lifetime, he became an influential persuasive public speaker and writer by publishing pieces that conveyed a distinct hatred and an indictment against racial injustices. His powerful speeches not only advised others of the cruelty of slavery, but also gave his people an undefeatable voice of hope. To begin, he was born on February 1818 in a slave cabin on the Eastern shore of Maryland as Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey and took on the name Douglass later on. Frederick was born into slavery by his enslaved mother, Harriet Bailey, and what was believed to be her white master. …show more content…
During his time in Britain he spoke to large crowds on the evils of slavery and gained many supporters. He stayed for two years and gathered as many funds as possible to purchase his freedom when he came back to America. In 1847, Frederick returned to America as a freed man. Just after he returned he wrote many anti-slavery newspapers including, The North Star and Frederick Douglass Weekly. The North Star had a significant slogan, "Right is of no Sex - Truth is of no Color - God is the Father of us all, and we are all brethren."(www.britannica.com) The North star denounced many forms of discrimination in American society. As a result of the popularity of this newspaper, Douglass was requested to meet with John Brown, a former white abolitionist. Brown planned an attack on Harpers, Ferry in hope to provide more attention to abolition; however, Douglass could see not benefit in Brown’s violent plans and