Abolitionism Links
https://www.amphilsoc.org/item-detail/anti-slavery-medallion Benjamin Franklin wrote that these medallions, “may have an Effect equal to that of the best written Pamphlet, in procuring Favour to those oppressed People.” Like today, people in the 18th century used fashion to express political beliefs. Compare the representation of slavery on the medallion to that in the cartouche on the Fry-Jefferson map of Virginia. APS
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/underground-railroad Oct 29, 2009 "The Underground Railroad was a network of people, African American as well as white, offering shelter and aid to escaped enslaved people from the South." HISTORY
Abolitionism Youtube Links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coauCXBRUSs Nov 27, 2020 The Underground Railroad for many of us symbolizes the journey African slaves went on in the name of freedom. But, contrary to popular belief, the first path wasn’t south to north. Instead, it was north to south. Spanish Florida was an independent entity and many enslaved Africans in the Carolinas and Georgia knew that if they escaped, they’d be granted asylum, as well as their freedom. For nearly a century, hundreds of slaves took the same journey south and crossed the border. However, in 1790, facing pressure from the United States government, Florida agreed to stop accepting slaves. This halted the passage for a moment in time. In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Hasan Jeffries of Ohio State University and Vincent Brown of Harvard University, we explore the starting point of a trail that led thousands of slaves to freedom. But to this day, the passage represents the extremes enslaved Africans would go to attain the life they knew they deserved. Black History in Two Minutes or so
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjW5COr2plw Apr 10, 2020 Many people recognize the passage of the 13th Amendment as an end to slavery in the south. However, slavery was commonplace in all 13 colonies. Mum Bett, the slave of a Massachusetts judge, learned about the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution. After overhearing a crucial piece of the document, she decided to take matters into her own hands. As she understood it, the phrase “all men are born free and equal” applied to her as a black person. Mum went to an attorney, Theodore Sedgwick, and together, they added another enslaved male named Brom to their team. In the end, the dynamic trio would successfully sue for both Mum and Brom’s freedom. This precedent led to many other black slaves successful suing for their freedom in other northern states. Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Brittney Cooper of Rutgers University, we track the journey of Mum Bett, a freedom fighter whose insight and knowledge launched the abolitionist movement. Black History in Two Minutes or so
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKirXxkxvvs Apr 15, 2022 Even though slavery ended in the 1860s, free Black Americans made up 10% of the United States Black population. While the rest of the population was made up of slaves, those who escaped quickly learned that freedom didn’t mean access. As the United States expanded, many now western states passed rules and regulations that made it difficult for Black citizens to successfully enter society. Ultimately, Black people opted to stay in the south, close to family, and in a better economic condition. Despite countless efforts to rob Black people of their rights, freed Black leaders made sure Black people were supported in their transition from slavery to freedom. In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. — with additional commentary from Vincent Brown of Harvard University and author Kate Clifford Larson — we learn about the often under told story of the free Black American. Black History in Two Minutes or so
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwWqkk4Ha70 Apr 24, 2020 Religion as we know it infiltrated the black community during slavery. While the objective leaned on pacifying slaves, black people rose against the negative narrative and invested in a community that would be known as the black church. Records indicate that as early as 1794, Richard Allen, a formerly enslaved black man, founded his own denomination and church. Reverend Allen, a man who purchased his own freedom, sought to abolish slavery and help other people escape, as well. As the nation continued to work through the Civil War, Jim Crow, racism, and economic disparity, the black church and its leaders mobilized its followers to speak out and stand up for injustices. In this series of Black History in Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Brittney Cooper of Rutgers University and Peniel Joseph of the University of Texas, we look at a fundamentally important piece of American history that has been a haven for blacks who have often times been isolated by the nation and the rules of the land. Black History in Two Minutes or so
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv7YhVKFqbQ Jul 24, 2018 Take a closer look at the life of escaped slave and American icon Harriet Tubman, who liberated over 700 enslaved people using the Underground Railroad. Escaping slavery; risking everything to save her family; leading a military raid; championing the cause of women’s suffrage; these are just a handful of the accomplishments of one of America’s most courageous heroes. Janell Hobson details Harriet Tubman's many fights for freedom. Lesson by Janell Hobson, directed by Yan Dan Wong. TEDEd View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-courage-of-harriet-tubman-janell-hobson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn-mKoA4odI Oct 11, 2019 Harriet Tubman is one of the greatest freedom fighters to exist. Enslaved and enraged, Tubman committed to not only freeing herself, but she created a system that would revolutionize slavery and the people who benefited from it most. Tubman wore many hats in the name of freedom, from spy to conductor despite being illiterate. Harriet’s mission was to remove the chains that restrained black people by any means necessary, even when her husband, a free man, refused to join her. Known as “The Moses of her people,” Tubman was laid to rest with military honors. Her commitment to the advancement of freedom is highly respected and noted in history. In this series of Black History in Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. — with additional commentary from historian Kate Larson — we celebrate the creator of the Underground Railroad, abolitionist, and the superwoman herself, Harriet Tubman. Black History in Two Minutes or so
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sn8CUyvG2k Apr 28, 2020 Get to know the story of Sojourner Truth, a woman born into slavery who became known as a powerful orator and outspoken activist. Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery in late 18th century New York. Fleeing bondage with her youngest daughter, she renamed herself Sojourner Truth and embarked on a legendary speaking tour. She became known as an electrifying orator and her speeches impacted thousands of people in communities across the United States. Daina Ramey Berry details the life of the outspoken activist. Lesson by Daina Ramey Berry, directed by WOW-HOW Studio. TEDEd View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-electrifying-speeches-of-sojourner-truth-daina-ramey-berry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqkXGfdiG2c Oct 18, 2019 Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery in the late 18th century. Despite this, she’d go on to prove that enslavement was only a state of mind. She escaped slavery and landed in New York, where she changed her name to Sojourner Truth. With such a poignant name, she was committed to A name ever so poignant, Truth committed to eradicating racial and gender injustice. Although she never learned how to read nor write, she leaned on her own insight and intellect to draw crowds near and far. She became known as an equal rights activist, publishing her own book and hosting events, where her speeches — such as “Ain’t I A Woman?” — would go down as literary masterpieces. Her commitment to ending slavery and ensuring women had equal rights is why she is a feminist icon, and today we celebrate her in this episode of Black History in Two Minutes or So. Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. — with additional commentary from Farah Griffin and Brittney Cooper — we rejoice in the legacy of Sojourner Truth, a freedom fighter, truth teller, and a woman who fought for equality for all. Black History in Two Minutes or so
Google Classroom Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Question
How did Harriet Tubman use the Underground Railroad to liberate enslaved people?
After watching "The breathtaking courage of Harriet Tubman - Janell Hobson," complete the TEDEd Think Lesson and then type a short answer to all eight questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv7YhVKFqbQ Jul 24, 2018 Take a closer look at the life of escaped slave and American icon Harriet Tubman, who liberated over 700 enslaved people using the Underground Railroad. Escaping slavery; risking everything to save her family; leading a military raid; championing the cause of women’s suffrage; these are just a handful of the accomplishments of one of America’s most courageous heroes. Janell Hobson details Harriet Tubman's many fights for freedom. Lesson by Janell Hobson, directed by Yan Dan Wong. TEDEd View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-courage-of-harriet-tubman-janell-hobson
TEDEd The breathtaking courage of Harriet Tubman - Janell Hobson
1. How many trips did Harriet Tubman make to free others from slavery?
2. How much did Tubman receive as a monthly veteran's pension for her service in the Union army?
3. Tubman met and married another slave in Dorchester County, Maryland.
4. How did Tubman journey to freedom?
5. Where did Tubman lead a military campaign that freed nearly 700 slaves?
6. How did Tubman learn the route to freedom?
7. Why did Tubman leave her husband behind when she escaped to freedom?
8. Why was Tubman denied a veteran’s pension after serving in the Union Army during the Civil War?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21M1_KcSkD0 Published on Feb 19, 2015 Rick takes a look at a rare collection of stories from the 19th century about escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad in this collection of scenes from "Underground Pawn."
AIRED JANUARY 8, 2013 Film Description Radicals. Agitators. Troublemakers. Liberators. Called by many names, the abolitionists tore the nation apart in order to create a more perfect union. Men and women, black and white, Northerners and Southerners, poor and wealthy, these passionate anti-slavery activists fought body and soul in the most important civil rights crusade in American history. What began as a pacifist movement fueled by persuasion and prayer became a fiery and furious struggle that forever changed the nation.
Bringing to life the intertwined stories of Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Angelina Grimké, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and John Brown, The Abolitionists takes place during some of the most violent and contentious decades in American history, amid white-hot religious passions that set souls on fire, and bitter debates over the meaning of the Constitution and the nature of race. It reveals how the movement shaped history by exposing the fatal flaw of a republic founded on liberty for some and bondage for others, setting the nation on a collision course. In the face of personal risks — beatings, imprisonment, even death — abolitionists held fast to their cause, laying the civil rights groundwork for the future and raising weighty constitutional and moral questions that are with us still.
Features
The Trial of John Brown
After surviving his failed siege of the armory at Harpers Ferry, John Brown went on trial.Failed Protests
In the spring of 1854, fugitive slave Anthony Burns sat in Boston's city jail as protests for his release turned violent.Douglass and Garrison Meet
In September of 1838, escaped slave Frederick Douglass and abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison met in Nantucket.The North Star
Frederick Douglass named his abolitionist newspaper The North Star after the icon followed by escaped slaves on their journeys to freedom.The Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made the hunting down of escaped slaves, even in free states, fully legal.Uncle Tom's Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe made millions of Americans see slavery through the eyes of its victims.No Slavery! Fourth of July!
On July 4, 1854 in Massachusetts, abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison burned a copy of the constitution.The Pottawatomie Massacre
By killing of five pro-slavery men, John Brown hoped to strike terror in the hearts of pro-slavery settlers in Kansas.Emancipation and the Civil War
With the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the war merged with the abolitionist cause. But the Union had to win, or the Proclamation would mean nothing.Garrison Closes The Liberator
After four decades and 1,803 issues, William Lloyd Garrison closed his abolitionist newspaper.John Brown Gathers His Arsenal
John Brown put little stock in abolition through peaceful means. In 1855, he headed to the slave state of Kansas.Abolitionist Allies Fall Out
Although fighting for a common cause, abolitionists Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison suffered a major falling out.Lincoln Announces Freedom
In 1862, Lincoln promises to sign an Emancipation Proclamation on New Year's Day.Triumph
The day after Lee's surrender at Appomattox, William Lloyd Garrison was met by 10,000 freed slaves outside the Charleston Citadel.The Attack at Harpers Ferry
In 1859, John Brown seized a federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, but failed to incite a revolution.The Abolitionists: The Dred Scott Decision
In 1857, the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision had the potential to legalize slavery everywhere in the United States.The Abolitionists: The Civil War Begins
In April 1861, the American Civil War began, reuniting abolitionists who had grown apart in recent years.The Massachusetts 54th
With the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the war merged with the abolitionist cause. The Proclamation had included an unexpected clause: at last, black men could enlist in the armed services of the United States.The Abolitionists: The Burning of Pennsylvania Hall
Inside Pennsylvania Hall in 1838, an abolitionist meeting was disrupted when members of an anti-abolitionist mob threw rocks through the windows.The Abolitionists: Frederick Douglass Reacts
In 1833, Frederick Douglass was sent to a slave breaker to be beaten back into submission.The Abolitionists: Extended Trailer
The abolitionist movement shaped history by exposing the fatal flaw of a republic founded on liberty for some and bondage for others, setting the nation on a collision course.The Abolitionists: Trailer
The abolitionists turned a despised fringe movement against chattel slavery into a force that changed the nation.Five Abolitionists
The Abolitionists features five principal characters, whose intertwined lives and shared beliefs helped to form a powerful movement that changed the nation.The Making of The Abolitionists
There was no book that told the overarching story of the abolitionists, and no guide for capturing the courage and struggles of these remarkable civil rights heroes.Why We Made The Abolitionists
The makers of The Abolitionists describe making a film about a "transformative moment in American history that stemmed from the actions of ordinary individuals."Angelina Grimke Rebels
The daughter of one of South Carolina's first families, Angelina Grimke believed slavery was a sin.Douglass Begins to Understand Slavery
Douglass's first experience of slavery — watching his aunt being brutally beaten — would haunt him to his grave.Garrison Publishes The Liberator
William Lloyd Garrison published the first issue of his abolitionist newspaper on January 1, 1831.Angelina Grimke Goes Public
After reading reports of pro-slavery violence, Angelina Grimke decided she could not remain silent.Garrison Introduces Douglass
Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison introduces self-emancipated Frederick Douglass.Angelina Leaves Home
In 1829, abolitionist Angelina Grimke left Charleston for an uncertain future in the North.Garrison Arrives in Boston
At 22, William Lloyd Garrison knew that the abolition of slavery was the cause that would give meaning to his life.Stowe Visits a Slave State
On a trip to Kentucky in 1833, Harriet Beecher Stowe witnessed slavery up close.Burning Abolitionist Literature
The Anti-Slavery Society's great postal campaign of 1835 flooded the South with abolitionist literature — and created a backlash.Garrison Gets Attacked
In October 1835, William Lloyd Garrison was attacked by an anti-abolitionist mob in Boston.Frederick Douglass Finds Freedom
After having escaped to New York, Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts.A Powerful Partnership
In 1841, Frederick Douglass agreed to join William Lloyd Garrison to advocate for the abolitionism of slavery.The Personal Liberty Act
George Latimer's imprisonment and subsequent release led Massachusetts to declare that state officials could not take part in the recapture of a fugitive slave.Tragedy Informs Uncle Tom's Cabin
The death of Harriet Beecher Stowe's son allowed her to imagine the pain of an enslaved mother's separation from her child.