Frederick Douglas, one of the foremost leaders of the abolitionist movement

Frederick Douglass has been considered one of the foremost leaders of the abolitionist movement, which he fought to end slavery in the United States in the period just prior to the Civil War. He was recognized as one of America's first great black speakers. Douglass also served as an adviser to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Frederick Douglass fought for the adoption of constitutional amendments that guaranteed voting rights and other civil liberties for blacks. Douglass provided a powerful voice in human rights.

Douglass was the son of a slave, Harriet Bailey, and was largely self-educated. Poor treatment instilled him hatred of slavery. He failed in an attempt to escape in 1836, but two years later he succeeded and went to New York. (Wagnalls 307). Alone in New York, Douglass realized that although he was free, he was not free of cares. While he was in New York, he learned that southern slave catchers were roaming around looking for fugitives to take into work for them.

Frederick Douglass

English: Portrait of Frederick Douglass as a young...

English: Nathan and Mary (Polly) Johnson propertie...

In the process of looking for a place to live Douglass met a man involved in the underground railroad, a network of people who harbored runaway slaves and helped transport them to safe areas in the United States. (Nichols 25). This was Frederick's first encounter with the underground railroad. Douglass was transported to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where his name was changed and he had a place to live. Douglass found that New Bedford was practically a paradise for slaves. (Wagnalls 307). There still were some down sides towards blacks. Although there were black and white children attending the same schools, some public lecture halls were closed to blacks. Churches welcomed blacks but forced them to sit in separate sections. Worst of all, black tradesman were not allowed to work next to...