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Anti Slavery Essay

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Slavery first arrived in North America in 1619, and the first American slave ship was built in 1636, marking the beginning of the slave trade between America and Africa. Slave trading was marked as a capital offence throughout the whole of America in 1819, although slavery continued.

Publications against slavery became prominent, and by 1831, the most influential of abolitionist newspapers was published: The Liberator. The American Anti-Slavery Society was formed in 1833, resulting in a back-lash of anti-abolitionist riots. The first anti-slavery convention was held in 1837 in New York, and later the first meeting of American women opposed to slavery. The second meeting again resulted in pro slavery riots. In 1952, Harriet Breecher published …show more content…

Many abolitionists wrote books or articles, and gave speeches. They aimed to educate others about the harsh conditions and cruel treatment of the slave trade. Articles were published in newspapers, leaflets containing poems, essays and songs were published, alongside a number of children's’ books dedicated to educating children about slavery. Many antislavery groups were formed, and the support of abolitionists grew.

Religious abolitionists dedicated their time to religious groups, and successfully formed Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist antislavery movements. However, despite the support of many separate organisations, the majority of religious groups were not in support of the abolition movement.

Political abolitionists fell to political lobbying, as this was deemed more effective than simple persuasion. After political parties failed to respond to the efforts of abolitionists, new parties were formed such as the Liberty Party

The Underground Railroad, (not a railroad or underground) was a famous series of safe houses, nicknamed stations for escaping slaves. The Railroad stretched for 14 states, finishing in Canada, and although the estimates of the number of slaves helped by the railroad vary, and the number of slaves that actually escaped bondage is small, the Railroad was a symbol of defiance against the slave

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