During the abolitionist movement in the 19th century, activists employed different strategies to fight

Question

against slavery. How did the approaches of William Lloyd Garrison differ from those of Frederick
Douglass?(4 points)
Garrison focused on moral persuasion and publishing anti-slavery literature, while
Douglass also engaged in political activism and supported working within the political
system.
Garrison believed in maintaining the Union at all costs to end slavery, while Douglass
argued for the dissolution of the Union if it meant achieving abolition.
Garrison advocated for violent uprisings against slaveholders, while Douglass
believed in peaceful protest and legal reform.
Garrison supported immediate emancipation without compensation to slave owners,
while Douglass initially supported gradual emancipation and compensation.

Answer 1

The approaches of William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass during the abolitionist movement in the 19th century differed significantly in several critical ways:

1. Moral Persuasion vs. Political Activism: Garrison focused primarily on moral persuasion and the power of the written word. He published "The Liberator," an influential abolitionist newspaper that emphasized the moral imperative to end slavery immediately. Garrison's approach was largely about awakening public conscience. In contrast, Douglass engaged in political activism, emphasizing the importance of political action. He advocated for the inclusion of Black people in the political process and worked within the political system, including supporting suffrage and human rights.

2. Views on the Union: Garrison held a strong belief in the importance of maintaining the Union to address the issue of slavery, though he eventually came to see the need for radical action. However, he also argued at times that if the Union were to persist in supporting slavery, it might not be worth saving. Douglass, on the other hand, took a more pragmatic view; he believed that the Union could be a vehicle for promoting civil rights and abolition and advocated for its preservation as a means to achieving those ends.

3. Tactics Regarding Violence: Garrison was often associated with a moralistic and pacifist approach, urging nonviolent methods of protest. He did not condone violent uprisings against slaveholders. Douglass, however, recognized the potential necessity of armed resistance and was more accepting of forceful actions, particularly in light of the violence of slavery itself. He believed in the right of enslaved people to fight back against their oppressors.

4. Emancipation Views: Garrison advocated for immediate emancipation without any compensation to slave owners. He was unyielding in his stance that slavery must end immediately and without any concessions. In contrast, Douglass's views evolved over time—he initially supported a gradual emancipation strategy paired with compensation for slave owners but ultimately came to support immediate emancipation as well, emphasizing that such proposals must radically prioritize the rights and agency of enslaved individuals.

In summary, Garrison's focus on moral persuasion and immediate emancipation without compensation contrasted with Douglass's engagement in political activism and evolving views on emancipation and resistance tactics.