An Autobiography For Abolition
By: Joanne
How do American values and beliefs contribute to the continuation of American democracy?
The values and beliefs of abolition by people like Mary Prince contributed to the continuation of democracy. Through her autobiography, The History Of Mary Prince, she told her experience of being enslaved and mistreated. This ultimately informed others about the need of equality. The definition of democracy is a government that has social equality and respect for all. Through The History Of Mary Prince, Mary Prince had expressed her opinion on the issue of slavery and it contributed to the continuation of American democracy.
Mary Prince's Life
- was born in 1788 to an enslaved family in Bermuda
- worked for and was sold to many different owners
- mistreated/beaten
- last owner is the Woods family in Antigua
- married Daniel James who was a former slave
- in 1825, she went to England with the Woods
- found freedom in England but had to leave everything outside of England behind
- was unable to return to Antigua and to husband, or else she would be enslaved again
- employed in Thomas Pringle's household
- sent a petition to Parliament for hopes of being able to be free and return to husband
- petition was declined
What Did She Do?
- published an autobiography: The History Of Mary Prince in 1831
- it had became a key part in the campaign for abolition
- generated controversy
- people began to be aware of the lives of slaves
- slave trade had been made illegal, but slavery was still taking place on plantations