Abolition Movement

Definition

The Abolition Movement was a social and political push for immediate emancipation of all slaves and ending racial discrimination and segregation in America during 18th & 19th centuries.

Analogy

Imagine being stuck in a really unfair game where one team has all advantages. The Abolition Movement is like someone stepping forward saying 'This isn't right' and trying to change rules so everyone can play fairly.

Related terms

Underground Railroad: A network of secret routes used by enslaved African Americans to escape into free states or Canada with help from abolitionists who were sympathetic to their cause.

Emancipation Proclamation: An executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863 freeing slaves in Confederate-held territories during Civil War.

Frederick Douglass: An escaped slave who became prominent abolitionist, author, public speaker, and advocate for women's rights.