Notes

Write a note in this area.Escaped slave
Abolitionist
North Star paper
Underground Railroad conductor

The man in the picture above is the famous, Frederick Douglas. He was born as a slave by the name of Frederick Augustus Bailey. He eventually escaped and was able to stay free where he became an abolitionist. Once he escaped he changed his last name to Douglas so then he wouldn't get caught and taken back to the slave life he originated from. He became an abolitionist and wrote many speeches on his opinion of slavery. During the time of slavery, the slaves were not allowed to learn or be taught to read or write. This kept the white people as the superiors. Secretly, Douglas tricked the boy he took care of into teaching him to read and wrote and started teaching other slaves what he had learned. He dedicated his life to help end slavery. Later in his life he wrote an autobiography, where he goes into detail on the excruciating life of a slave. When people read this there was quickly a whole new respect in some for the slaves. His autobiography became very popular and brought more attention slavery.

Frederick Douglas was also known for writing his abolitionist newspaper called, "The Liberator." This put a fire into other abolitionists that motivated them to get on the team with Douglas, to end slavery. He played a role in the criticism of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was an escape plan for slaves across the south in hopes to reach the north for freedom. Frederick Douglas was not a fan of this plan because of how known it became and it was getting too obvious of how many slaves were going missing because they were escaping via the railroad.