The Abolitionist Cause
The leaders and works that shaped a new American identity.
Fredrick Douglass- A Man with a Legacy
1) Despite any formal education, Douglass wrote three, complete autobiographies that describe his escape from slavery and later establishment as a social activist.
2) First African American to be nominated for the position of Vice President of the United States.
3) Following his return from Europe (where he attained sufficient monetary funds to purchase his legal freedom), Douglass produced a variety of successful newspaper publications in support of abolition.
4) He was the only male to attend the Seneca Falls Convention as a delegate in support of Women's Rights. Also partially responsible for the passing of a resolution proposed by Cady Stanton regarding the affirmation of the goals propagated for the suffrage cause after he spoke in favor for it.
5) Assumed many official positions in government of other countries, such as his position as the president of the Freedman's Savings Bank and as charge d' affaires for the Dominican Republic. He was later appointed minister-resident and consul-general to the Republic of Haiti (1889-1891).
6) For 16 years, Douglass edited an influential black newspaper and reached a level of infamy unprecedented by other blacks due to his acclaim as a persuasive speaker and writer.
7) Douglass was appointed as Marshal (1877-1881) and Recorder of Deeds (1881-1886) for the District of Columbia.
8) Served as advisor to President Abraham Lincoln regarding his decision to pass the Emancipation Proclamation and fate of the Union during the Civil War.
9) Achieved fame due to his prolific skills at oration and writing.
10) Fought for the adoption of amendments to the Constitution that would guarantee voting rights for men and women (of all races) alike.
CITATIONS:
1) http://www.nps.gov/frdo/learn/historyculture/people.htm
2) http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/fredericKdouglass