William Lloyd Garrison: The Voice Of Abolition

William Lloyd Garrison was a pivotal figure in the fight against slavery in the United States. Born on December 10, 1805, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, he became one of the most prominent abolitionists of his time. His journey began with a passion for journalism, which he used as a powerful tool to advocate for the rights of enslaved individuals. Garrison's efforts led to significant changes in American society, making him a key player in the abolition movement.

Who Was William Lloyd Garrison?

In 1830, Garrison founded an abolitionist newspaper called The Liberator. This publication became a platform for expressing anti-slavery sentiments and advocating for immediate emancipation. By 1832, he had also played a crucial role in forming the New England Anti-Slavery Society. During the Civil War, he continued to criticize the U.S. Constitution, viewing it as a document that supported slavery. His relentless efforts bore fruit when the Civil War concluded with the abolition of slavery.

Early Life

Garrison's early life was marked by hardship. Born to a merchant sailor, his father abandoned the family when Garrison was just three years old. His mother, Frances Maria, worked hard to provide for her children, often struggling in poverty. As a child, Garrison lived with a Baptist deacon, where he received basic education, laying the foundation for his future career in journalism.

Start in Journalism

At the age of 13, Garrison began a seven-year apprenticeship as a writer and editor under Ephraim W. Allen, the editor of the Newburyport Herald. This experience ignited his passion for journalism. After completing his apprenticeship, he purchased The Newburyport Essex Courant and renamed it the Newburyport Free Press, using it to express the sentiments of the old Federalist Party. Unfortunately, the paper struggled and folded within six months due to lack of subscribers.

Abolition

In 1828, while working for the National Philanthropist, Garrison met Benjamin Lundy, an anti-slavery editor. This meeting was pivotal in Garrison's life, leading him to take an editor's position at Genius of Emancipation, where he fully embraced the abolitionist cause. Initially, he joined the American Colonization Society, believing it promoted Black freedom. However, he soon realized that their true aim was to reduce the number of free Blacks in America, leading to his disillusionment.

'The Liberator'

In 1830, Garrison launched The Liberator, which featured the motto, "Our country is the world—our countrymen are mankind." This publication was crucial in establishing his reputation as an abolitionist. He recognized the need for a more organized abolitionist movement and helped form the New England Anti-Slavery Society in 1832. Garrison later founded the American Anti-Slavery Society, although his pacifist stance caused some supporters to leave.

Abolitionist Movement and Challenges

Throughout the 1840s, Garrison faced significant challenges within the abolitionist movement. He believed the U.S. Constitution was pro-slavery and argued for the dissolution of the Union. His stance led to major divisions among abolitionists, with some forming rival organizations. Garrison spoke passionately against the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War, further solidifying his position within the movement.

Pivotal Years in the Abolition Movement

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 marked a significant moment in the abolitionist struggle. It allowed settlers in new territories to decide on the legality of slavery, resulting in violence and corruption. Garrison viewed this as a betrayal of the North and a further entrenchment of slavery. The Dred Scott Decision in 1857 added to the turmoil, as it declared that Congress could not ban slavery in federal territories.

Garrison's Legacy

As the Civil War erupted in 1861, Garrison continued to use The Liberator to criticize the Constitution. Surprisingly, he also supported President Abraham Lincoln's war policies, which marked a shift in his approach. Finally, in 1865, with the passage of the 13th Amendment, Garrison witnessed the abolition of slavery across the nation, fulfilling his life's work.

Key Takeaways