Antislavery vs. Abolitionist Movement

737 Words2 Pages

The movement against slavery had begun before the mid-nineteenth century; it was not new to anyone. However during the mid-nineteenth century the movements against slavery increased and gained more force. These movements were centered specifically towards the slavery system in the South. Before the 1830’s there were antislavery movements; after the 1830’s, abolitionist movements began. Despite the fact that both were against the same issue, both had different impacts on the nation. One was more peaceful, the other was considered fanatical and dangerous because of those who supported it. The antislavery movement was subtle. Those who were part of the moment were generally calm and genteel. Instead of engaging in apparent activities, the people regularly expressed moral disapproval. When they centered in an orderly antislavery movement, it was focused on the concept of colonization. Its purpose was to resettle African Americans in other places, such as Africa or the Caribbean. A small group of white, prominent Virginians organized the American Colonization System in 1817. The way it was organized was in a way to challenge slavery efficiently without challenging property rights or southern sentiments. It encouraged the masters to free their slaves, mainly by compensating them with funds raised by private charities or state legislatures. Then the society will take the liberated slaves to another country and help the slaves settle and create a new society somewhere else. Those who funded the ACS were private donors, for example people from Congress, and legislatures from Virginia and Maryland. These funds arranged shipments of several slaves out of the country. However, the ACS was a failure and was an unimportant force... ... middle of paper ... ...r in Illinois. He was repeatedly attacked by mob violence. After three attempts to smash his press, angry whites set fire to his building and shot and killed him when he tried to flee. Others used propagandas to awaken widespread public anger. The most influential propaganda was the book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. However others used more moderate ways, hoping that abolition can be accomplished by a result of a long patient struggle. They depended on “moral suasion” and political action. The antislavery movement caused no effects in the nation. In actuality they tried to find a way to not disturb Southerners. However it had no strength and faded. Now the abolitionist movement was a major reminder of how slavery was dividing America. The abolitionists were not people who did not make political commitments lightly. They were more inflamed and provoked powerful opposition.

Open Document