The approaches of William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass to the abolitionist movement during the 19th century were indeed different in several significant ways:
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Union Perspectives: Garrison was a strong advocate for maintaining the Union as a moral imperative to end slavery, believing that the Union could be a platform for abolishing slavery. In contrast, Douglass argued that the Union was corrupted by slavery, and if it could not be reformed to end the institution, he would support the dissolution of the Union.
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Emancipation Strategies: Garrison was a proponent of immediate emancipation without compensation to slave owners, viewing any compromise as morally unacceptable. Meanwhile, Douglass initially considered gradual emancipation and compensation for slave owners but later fully embraced the idea of immediate emancipation as the movement progressed.
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Methods of Advocacy: Garrison used moral persuasion, most notably through his publication of "The Liberator," and focused on raising public awareness about the evils of slavery. On the other hand, Douglass engaged actively in political activism, believing that change could and should occur through the political system, which included lobbying for anti-slavery legislation and participating in conventions.
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Approach to Protest: Garrison advocated for militant action, including the potential for violent uprisings against slaveholders, while Douglass emphasized the importance of peaceful protest, legal reform, and civil rights as means to achieve abolition.
These differences highlight the diverse strategies and philosophies within the abolitionist movement in the pursuit of ending slavery.
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