Frederick Douglass: A Hero of Progress

Early Life and Background

• Born: Around 1818 in Maryland
• Born into Slavery: Separated from his mother as an infant
• Early Life: Lived on several different plantations

Education

• Hostility Toward Educating Slaves: Slave owners were opposed to slaves being educated
• Self-Education: Taught himself to read and write secretly using books and newspapers

Escape from Slavery

• 1833: Transferred to a Baltimore shipyard
• Anna Murray: Met and fell in love with Anna Murray, a free black woman
  • Helped Douglass Escape: Assisted Douglass in escaping to New York City
• Marriage and Relocation: Married Anna and settled in Massachusetts

Abolitionist Work

• 1839: Became a preacher and joined the abolitionist movement
• Public Speaking: Excellent speaker, toured with the American Anti-Slavery Society
• Danger: Still legally a slave, faced potential danger from his career

Tour of Britain and Ireland

• 1845: Embarked on a successful speaking tour
• Support and Freedom: Supporters raised money to purchase his freedom

Contributions During the Civil War

• Advisor to Lincoln: Advised President Abraham Lincoln
• Emancipation Proclamation: Urged Lincoln to issue the proclamation to free slaves escaping to Union territory
• Constitutional Amendments: Encouraged amendments to outlaw slavery and protect rights of black Americans

Post-War Contributions

• Roles: Served as a U.S. Marshal and diplomat
• Advocacy: Continued to fight for human rights and racial equality

Legacy

• Impact: Shifted public opinion against slavery, helped secure freedom for millions
• Recognition: Known as the 48th hero of progress