The abolitionist movement was at its height during the early 1800s and lasted until well after the Civil War ended. In the initial stages of the movement, the abolitionists wanted immediate emancipation of all slaves, and they sought to end racial segregation and discrimination. Although the beliefs of the abolitionists were strong during the American Revolution, it did not become a unified movement until the 1830s.

One of the main abolitionists, William Lloyd Garrison, began publishing a newspaper, The Liberator, which played a major role in the abolitionist movement. The newspaper advocated the immediate end to slavery. It was published for nearly 35 years.

Just as the abolitionist movement gained momentum, members of the movement found themselves opposing each other. They disputed over the inclusion of equal rights for women in their crusade; those who opposed felt that the movement was becoming too political. The American Anti-Slavery Society split in 1840, but the work of the society made a lasting impact on the movement.

After 1840, the abolitionists influenced many facets of American culture and society. Abolitionism influenced political life, religion, and even literature. Read about the famous abolitionists below and learn about how they influenced American society.

Frederick Douglass escaped slavery and later became one of the leading abolitionists. His oratory and writing skills defied the notion that slaves were ignorant and unable to be educated. He proved that slaves could be contributing American citizens. Douglass published his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, although he risked his own freedom in the process.

The abolitionist movement permeated the religious and educational landscape of America. There were independent "Free Churches" established that supported the ideals and beliefs of the abolitionists. Oberlin College was founded by abolitionists as the first racially integrated and coed institute of higher learning.

One of the most controversial abolitionists is John Brown. He was a radical abolitionist who believed in violently overthrowing the slavery system. Brown and his sons led attacks on pro-slavery residents. Brown said that his actions were the will of God, and he became a hero to those in the North who opposed slavery. In early 1858, Brown enlisted a small army of other radicals whose mission was to start a rebellion among the slaves. In 1859, Brown and 21 of his members attacked the federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry. The group aimed to capture supplies and use them in a slave rebellion. Brown was captured during the raid and later hanged, but he was remembered as an anti-slavery icon.

Click on the link below to watch the video. Answer the questions that follow in your notes.
John Brown

1. How was John Brown viewed by people in the North as opposed to those in the South?Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

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   Those in the North saw him as a hero, while people in the South thought he was a terrorist.
2. Why did John Brown attempt to capture Harpers Ferry? Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

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   It was the location for the Federal Arsenal that contained many weapons.
3. The participation of slaves in this rebellion was important for Brown's success. Why do you believe the slaves did not participate? Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

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   Here are a few sample answers: Slaves may have been afraid to participate in a rebellion. Slaves may not have been fully informed of Brown's plans.

By the 1850s, the abolitionist movement had gone through another change. There was conflict within the movement as blacks began to complain about the racist behavior of some of the white abolitionists. Sectionalism became a larger national issue than slavery and some of the abolitionists' causes were swept into the politics leading up to the Civil War.

The final split in the abolitionist movement came in 1865 when the passage of the 13th amendment abolished slavery. Many, such as William Lloyd Garrison, felt that this made the American Anti-Slavery Society and groups like it unnecessary. Others in the movement, such as Wendell Phillips, felt that it was important to strive toward political equality for black males and guarantee freedom for former slaves. Although Garrison wanted to disband the society, his opponents were able to keep the group going until 1870 when the 15th amendment extended voting rights to black males. At this point, the society had completed its mission.