Abolitionism

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Portrait of Chevalier de Saint-George

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Jacques Pierre Brissot (1754-1793)

Biard Abolition de l'esclavage 1849

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William Murray of Mansfield

Abolitionism is a movement aimed at ending the slave trade and freeing those who are enslaved. It is a historical and global phenomenon, with significant movements in the United States, United Kingdom, and other parts of the world. The abolitionist movement became particularly prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to the eventual abolition of slavery in many countries.

Origins and History

The roots of abolitionism can be traced back to the late 17th century, with movements emerging in Europe and the Americas. In the United Kingdom, the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade was formed in 1787, playing a crucial role in the abolition of the slave trade through the Slave Trade Act 1807. Similarly, in the United States, abolitionist sentiment grew, leading to the establishment of various anti-slavery societies. The American Civil War (1861-1865) and the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 were pivotal in the abolition of slavery in the U.S., culminating in the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, which formally abolished slavery.

Key Figures

Several key figures emerged within the abolitionist movement, advocating for the end of slavery through writings, speeches, and political action. Notable abolitionists include William Wilberforce, who was instrumental in the British abolitionist movement; Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, both of whom were former slaves and became leading figures in the American abolitionist movement; and Olaudah Equiano, whose autobiography detailed his experiences as a slave and became influential in the British abolitionist movement.

Methods and Strategies

Abolitionists employed a variety of methods and strategies to achieve their goals, including the publication of anti-slavery literature, public speaking, organizing petitions, and political lobbying. The Underground Railroad was a network established by abolitionists to help enslaved African Americans escape to free states and Canada.

Impact and Legacy

The abolitionist movement had a profound impact on the societies in which it operated, leading to significant legal and social changes. The abolition of slavery and the slave trade marked a pivotal moment in history, influencing subsequent human rights movements. The legacy of abolitionism is remembered and celebrated, though the struggle against forms of modern slavery and racial injustice continues.

See Also

• Slavery in the United States
• Slavery in the British and French Caribbean
• Anti-Slavery International
• Human rights