Frederick Douglass' writings. Reflected many American views that were influenced

Frederick Douglass's writings reflected many American views that were influenced

by national division. Douglass was a very successful abolitionist who changed America's

views of slavery through his writings and actions. Frederick Douglass had many

achievements throughout his life. Douglass was born a slave in 1817, in Maryland. He

educated himself and became determined to escape the atrocities of slavery. Douglass

attempted to escape slavery once, but failed. He later made a successful escape in 1838.

His fleeing brought him to New Bedford, Massachusetts. Douglass's abolitionist career

began at an antislavery convention at Nantucket, Massachusetts. Here, he showed himself

to be a great speaker. Douglass became involved with many important abolitionist causes,

both through his literary works, and also through activities such as the Underground

Railroad, and also his role in organizing a regiment of former slaves to fight in the Civil

War for the Union army. Due to the Fugitive Slave Laws, Douglass became in danger of

being captured and returned to slavery.

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass portrait

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

He left America, and stayed in the British Isles.

There he lectured on slavery, and gained the respect of many people, who raised money to

purchase his freedom. In 1847, Douglass relocated to Rochester, New York, and became

the person in charge of the Underground Railroad. Here he also began the abolitionist

newspaper North Star, which he edited until 1860.

In this time period, Douglass became friends with another well known American

abolitionist, John Brown. Brown was involved with the Underground Railroad, and later

wanted Douglass to join him on terroristic attacks on a United States government arsenal

at Harper's Ferry. Douglass declined to participate in such activities. He fled, once again,

to Europe, fearing that his association with John Brown might threaten him. He returned

after several months, and aided in Abraham Lincoln's campaign for president.