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William Lloyd Garrison Research Paper

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Regardless of the American victory of freedom from British tyranny, the young nation was not a liberated country. In the 19th century, firebrands of abolitionists and women arose against the unequal treatment to the relegated women and the racism towards those with dark complexions. Organized protests and insurrection, however, were not enough to obliterate the racial and gender discrimination. Literature and writing, used to expose the flaws occurring the “democratic republic,” were the most effective contributions in achieving the egalitarianism in the United States. Abolitionists’ writings revealed the humanity and horrific lives of slaves, female writings exhibited the injustice shown towards women and the additional amendments to the Constitution …show more content…

William Lloyd Garrison, leader and founder of the American Anti-Slavery Society, believed abolitionists must, “overpower prejudice with the power of love,” (Declaration of Sentiments) to persuade the American population of their convictions. His philosophy of “moral suasion,” guided the anti-slavery movement to construct literature and writings, as revelations of the humanity and gruesome lives of slaves. In 1831, Garrison began publishing the “prophetic” newspaper, The Liberator, to gain support against the ignominious practice of slavery. As a result of Garrison’s persuasive articles, regarding the sinful act of ignoring the equal creation of African Americans by the same God, and denouncements against proslavery laws passed by Congress, The Liberator enlightened the public on the propriety of extending freedom and equality to all people of any race/skin …show more content…

The official abolishment of slavery in the United States happen on December 6, 1865, by cause of the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment. The Fourteenth Amendment, legalized on July 9, 1868, granted to all citizens, including African Americans, the protection of their civil rights of, “life, liberty,… property…[and] equal protection of the laws,” (U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV, Sec. 1) On February 3, 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment granted to suffrage to male citizens disregarding the skin color or race. However, women’s enfranchisement was attested one century later when the Nineteenth Amendment was endorsed. Literature and writings capitulated the reform movements’ target audience, the Congress, to recognize the morality and rectitude of their causes as benefits to the

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