Childhood

Frederick Douglass was born February 14th, 1818, in Maryland. He was born into slavery and so was nearly the rest of his family. He was originally named Frederick Bailey.

Childhood

When he was 8, he was sent to work for Sophia and Hugh Auld. Sophia taught him how to read and write, thought Hugh disapproved.

When he was 16, he was sent to work for "slave-breaker" Edward Covey. Covey lashed him endlessly until Frederick physically confronted him and they fought. 

Frederick won and Covey never beat him again.

Adulthood

Anna gave him money and a sailor's outfit

and Frederick took a train away using papers

provided by a friend of his who was free.

Frederick had unsuccessfully tried to escape slavery once, but it wasn't until he met Anna Murray that he finally broke free of his chains.

His journey took less than 24 hours.

Adulthood

In 1839 he was now a free man, and a strong abolitionist. He married Anna Murray immediately. His friend suggested adopting a new surname, and so he did and became Frederick Douglass. 

Beliefs

Frederick Douglass was a strong believer of Christ and fought for African American rights and women's rights. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest abolitionists ever and was one of the major players in the 1800s.

He often gave powerful sermons as a preacher for a Methodist Episcopal Zion church. He preached there and nearby constantly, arguing against slavery and how morals played into it. 

Beliefs

He very much so supported women's rights and believed everyone deserved rights regardless of race or gender. He was one of the earliest supporters for the women's suffrage movement.

He was one of the 32 men at the Seneca Falls Convention. He spoke for women's right to vote and signed the Declaration of Sentiments.

Historical Context

Frederick lived during one of the biggest eras for social reforming. African Americans were under constant oppression during the 1800s.

Civil rights movement, circa 1950s-1960s.

He was also a former slave, so he knew better than anyone the importance of freedom and what it brought for people.

This was around the time of the Civil War, which he lived through to see the dissolvement of slavery.

Historical Context