Saturday, February 3, 2018

Slavery Biography And The Life Of Slaves

By Sandra Ward


As anyone whom has ever studied history knows, slavery is a tough topic to tackle. For, it deals with issues which are often graphic with regards to the abuse and imprisonment of people during the 17 and 1800s. As such, when it comes to providing a slavery biography, few had the opportunity to do so.

Well known, high profile slaves such as Harriet Tubman and Charles Thompson left behind letters and notes related to the experiences of that time. Whereas, there were others at the time working to free these individuals and others whom also left a number of letters. As such, whether reading the personal stories of slaves, or articles, books and other publications provided by those whom were trying to free them, it can often be a difficult process.

One of the most well known individuals whom worked long and hard toward freeing the slaves is that of William Lloyd Garrison. For Mr. Garrison was a publicist, writer and pro-abolitionist in the early days of the slave trade. As such, while others had attempted work with regards to freeing the slaves, none were successful. For, it was not until Mr. Garrison started the abolitionist movement that people took freeing the slaves seriously.

Something which has often been overlooked in articles, books, films and stories, is that in the late 18th century, it almost seem if slavery was coming to an end. In fact, in 1777, a number of Northern states abolished the taking and holding of slaves. After which, the demand for cheap cotton became a catalyst for the growing slave trade in the South.

The Louisiana purchase in 1803 contributed to the rising population of slaves in the South. For, Louisiana provided fertile ground on which to grow cotton. As a result, workers were needed for the gin and cotton field. As such, plantation owners and farmers began purchasing slaves to work the gins and pick the cotton.

Later, when Garrison started fighting for the release of these individuals, there were two views with regards to a possible outcome. One being that slaves would be set free without pay and could either stay on as farm workers in exchange for room board, basically meaning nothing changed. Whereas, the other would be that, individuals once released would be sent back to Africa.

As such, not only was it Garrison's idea to eliminate slavery, it was also the method this first Abolitionist provided to create a way to do so. After which, the message eventually led to a number of slaves being set free. While, it was Mr. Garrison whom started the movement, the freeing of the slaves is attributed to the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which led to the Emancipation Proclamation provided by President Abraham Lincoln that same year.

While this is the case, there is no doubt that the articles written and published by Mr. Garrison along with others in the only Abolitionist newspaper, "The Liberator, " of the time had some impact on the event. For, even the well known author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin, " has praised the publication for the frank, open, honest, truthful and independent nature of the publication.




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