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Frederick Douglass: The Lasting Impression of a Trip Abroad

Ian Tucker and Kate Mignosa H. History 10 B-Block

Introduction
In August of 1845, Frederick Douglass left his Lynn, Massachusetts home to travel to Liverpool, England. Douglass was a recently escaped slave, who had the rare opportunity being educated. In 1845, Douglass authored his first book, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave, which described his life as an African American slave in the South. The pure success of the book, however, put Douglass's new-found freedom in danger. His friends suggested he voyage to England, where slavery had been outlawed since 1837. Douglass also realized there was the opportunity for gaining the support of British abolitionists in the fight to end slavery in the U.S. The time Douglass spent in England had a major effect on his views on slavery, the opinions of his supporters, and the anti-slavery movement occurring in the U.S. at the time. Douglasss book was extremely successful, as it was an inside view of the controversial system of slavery in the U.S. His book not only expressed the cruel treatment slaves were subject to, but motivated his audience to join the abolitionary movement. After arriving in England, Douglass became greatly invested in a number of political and social issues. He took great notice of the stark differences in lifestyle blacks had in England and the U.S., as within the U.S. Jim Crow Laws meant that even free African Americans were treated as inferior members of society. One of the most significant changes in Douglasss views during his time in England was his decision to be independent in his abolitionary views. Douglass returned to the U.S. with his own distinct beliefs, separate from those of any major abolitionist group of the time. He explained, I shall be under no party of society, but shall advocate the slaves cause in the way in which my judgment, will be suited to the advancement of the cause. Douglass also returned with even stronger feelings about the situation of race within the U.S. After having been treated as an equal to any man in Europe, Douglass immediately felt the racism and intolerance within his own country, saying that the U.S. was, unworthy of the name great or free. She has stood upon the backs of three million people. As Douglass had changed through the time he spent abroad in England, his friends and followers developed different opinions towards him and his beliefs.

Introduction (continued)
Douglasss criticism of the U.S. and its policies became a source of anger for many Americans, especially due to the fact that Douglass was presenting his issues in Europe. His newly intensified drive in his activist beliefs caused many of his friends concern, as they cautioned him that his reputation in Europe would undoubtedly have an effect on how he would be received upon returning to the U.S. A number of Americans in Europe at the time were also bothered by his speaking. Many believed Douglass should not have been criticizing the U.S. in front of an international audience. However, Douglasss increased independence and confidence allowed him to take on a greater role in leading the movement to end American slavery. His speaking and writing after his voyage abroad had a pronounced effect on the abolitionary movement in his own nation. In 1846, Douglass accompanied by William Garrison, a white abolitionist editor, spoke at a meeting of the AntiSlavery League and gained the strong support for ending U.S. slavery that they had hoped would result from traveling to Europe. With the main goal of his trip accomplished, and his increasing desire to return to his family, Douglass announced in March of 1847 that he would be returning to the U.S. He left with the undying support of his friends in England, who bought him out of slavery to protect his safety upon returning home, and provided him with the finances to begin his own abolitionary newspaper. Through this publication, Douglass was able to share and promote his unique ideas, calling for an end to American slavery. Douglasss experience in traveling to England had an undeniable effect on his stance on slavery and the position of the African American in American society. The trip also affected the opinions of his friends and followers had of him. Douglass returned to the U.S. with stronger beliefs and ideas revolving around abolitionism. His individual take on slavery set him apart from other American anti-slavery groups, however he had gained great support from groups in England. Douglass returned to the U.S. safely, speaking and writing in hopes to end slavery in the U.S. the way it had been ended in England almost a decade prior to his arrival.

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave from eastern Maryland. A kind woman had secretly taught Douglass to read, which became a major advantage in allowing for Douglasss successful escape in 1838. Douglass left his life of enslavement by inconspicuously boarding a train in Baltimore with black seaman's papers. Once reaching New Bedford, Massachusetts, Douglass attended anti-slavery meetings and joined forces with white abolitionist and publisher, William Lloyd Garrison.

William Garrison
William Lloyd Garrison was a bold white abolitionist and the publisher of a popular anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator. His followers, dubbed Garrisonians, supported individual detachment from slavery based on its moral wrongs instead of political abolitionary organization. Douglass worked closely with Garrison, even traveling and speaking with him in Europe. However, as Douglass grew more and more well-known, his relationship with Garrison grew more strained. The Garrisonians became increasingly upset with Douglasss newly individual beliefs about slavery. The relationship between Douglass and Garrison was further harmed when Douglass decided to begin publishing his own abolitionary newspaper.

Autobiography
Frederick Douglass wrote his first book, Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave, in 1845. The book was his first of three autobiographies. Publishing the book put Douglasss newfound freedom at great risk as he included his real name, as well as the name of his master. The only details Douglass left out of his story were those that could get in the way of any other slaves escape. Douglasss book was highly influential in the anti-slavery movement. It was extremely popular, as it shared Douglasss true experiences as a slave. He explained the true immortality of the system, and used his writing to persuade others into joining the abolitionary cause. While Douglasss book was a great addition to the anti-slavery movement, it also put his freedom in grave danger and was a major reason for his decision to leave the U.S. later in 1845.

The Fugitives Song


After receiving much attention for his autobiography, Douglasss escape had become quite well-known. It inspired great public attention, including a song titled, The Fugitives Song. Written on the cover page, the music was said to be, composed and respectfully dedicated in token of confident esteem to Frederick Douglass, a graduate from the peculiar institution. The illustration of the cover depicts Douglasss independent escape. As Douglass and his story grew famed, his freedom became endangered.

Slave Catchers
A major concern for Douglass while in the U.S. his safety. As an escaped slave, Douglass was in constant danger of recapture and punishment. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 demanded that runaway slaves be returned to their master. Though not entirely enforced, the act left even escaped slaves unprotected. The later passed Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 continued and strengthened this policy. Douglasss very successful publication placed him at large risk of discovery. Fueled by the concern of his friends and family, and drawn by the opportunity for gaining English support in the American abolitionary movement, Douglass left for Liverpool, England on August 16, 1845.

Daniel OConnell
Douglass spent his first five weeks abroad in Dublin, and had the opportunity to meet with Daniel OConnell. Douglass had been impressed after reading OConnells speech on Catholic emancipation, the idea of removing of the many restrictions placed on Catholics at the time. OConnell supported Douglasss hopes to emancipate slaves in the U.S. Their meeting had a substantial impact on Douglass. Throughout his time in Ireland, Douglass lectured on temperance and home rule. Douglass did not know at the time that soon after, Irish immigration to the U.S. would become increasingly popular. These immigrants competed with African Americans for jobs, and many fought against giving blacks basic rights. This turn of events was a lesson for Douglass, as it highlighted the way those who were being taken advantage of could easily turn against another group and do the same.

Speaking in Europe
Douglass much of his time in Europe speaking to audiences and promoting his opinions on various causes. The difference in social norms in Europe allowed Douglass to become a highly admired and respected speaker while abroad. This was a noticeable difference from the treatment he received at home. While away, Douglass attracted great notice from the public; he was both an escaped slave and an insider who could speak of American society. Over time, Douglass became involved in more and more causes, even those that did not particularly pertain to him or his experiences. He explained, I cannot allow myself to be insensible to the wrongs and sufferings of any part of the great family of man.

The Free Church

Garrison joined Douglass in England in 1846. The two men traveled Europe together, advocating their causes and soon became involved in an issue with the Free Church of Scotland. After splitting from the Church of Scotland in 1843, the Free Church received large donations from American Southern Presbyterian churches. The Glasgow Emancipation Society immediately saw fault in the church accepting money from slaveholders, while the church argued that accepting the money was in no way supporting the institution of slavery. Douglass spoke about the issue at an anti-slavery gathering in 1846, criticizing the church for ignoring the moral wrong the money represented and promoting the slogan, send the money back! Though the church kept the donations, the issue was in fact a success for Douglass and Garrison as it attracted attention in Europe to the American system of slavery.

Leaving England
On March 30, 1847, Douglass made his farewell speech to the people of London. He had decided to return to the U.S. after almost two years abroad. He felt it was his purpose to return to his country and fight for emancipation alongside other American abolitionists. Douglass understood the hatred and degradation African Americans were subject to in the U.S., but felt that the abolition of slavery was certain to succeed. Five days after announcing his departure, Douglass experienced the disrespect that he had not experienced since leaving the U.S. As soon as he boarded the ship to New York, The Cambria, Douglass was forced to conform to Jim Crow laws, and was denied many of the privileges the white passenger was allowed onboard of the ship. The sudden difference in treatment was a reminder of the racist practices he was returning to in returning home.

The North Star

In 1847, Douglass decided to begin publishing his own newspaper, titled The North Star. English friends of Douglasss made over $2,000 available to him to begin his new career. It was decided that the paper would be based in Rochester, New York where there was a large number of abolitionists, and it was believed Douglasss views would be accepted. Douglass also thought it would be wise to move away from Garrisons publication, The Liberator, as their relationship has grown to be very tense. As the article says the paper was meant to, attack slavery in all its forms and actions, and to promote abolitionary beliefs.

The Fourth of July


On July 4, 1852 Douglass as asked by the Rochester Ladies Anti-Slavery society to give the Oration of the Fourth. This speech was delivered to a crowd of five or six hundred people in Rochester, New York on July 5. Douglass used this speech as a chance to express his abolitionist views in relation to the Declaration of Independence which is celebrated on the Fourth of July. Douglass declared to a largely white audience, This Fourth July is yours, not mine. Through his speech he expressed the meaning of a holiday of independence to those still enslaved in the U.S. His speech was so successful and well received that Douglass was repeatedly asked to publish the speech as a pamphlet.

Works Cited

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