Frederick Douglass

1. Frederick Douglass 1817 ? – 1895

2. Frederick Douglass • Born into slavery in Maryland and separated from his mother soon after birth • Douglass referred to this separation as a cruel and barbaric act resulting from the slave system; however, fitting with the idea of slavery: reducing man to brute • Because records were rarely kept for children born into slavery, he was never sure of his exact age. • Douglass received no formal education; and instead, taught himself to read with help from individuals in his household. (The individuals later felt that Douglass’s ability to read was incompatible with being enslaved.) • Escaped to Massachusetts around approx. the age of 21. • Married and began making public speeches in support of the abolitionist cause. • Changed his last name from Bailey to Douglass (inspired by a Romantic hero in a novel).

3. Frederick Douglass • In 1845, Douglass went to England due to danger he faced as a fugitive. • Part of that danger resulted from the publication of his autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” which came out that same year. • British friends collected around $700 and purchased his freedom. • Douglass returns to the States in 1847 • Founded a newspaper where he championed the abolition of slavery • Published a revised version of his life story, “My Bondage and My Freedom” • Both of his life stories were widely read and quite influential in the abolitionist cause. • During the Civil War, Douglass worked for the Underground Railroad and helped recruit black soldiers for the Union armies. • 1881 – he published yet another version of his life story, “The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass”

4. Douglass Reading Assignment • Read “from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” (pg. 399 – 403) • Read “from My Bondage and My Freedom” (pg. 413) • Both due by Monday • Reminder: The Jungle Ch. 1-3 is also due Monday