Omar Bennett
In a speech delivered in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1860, Frederick Douglass outlined his views on the American Constitution, arguing that it was an anti-slavery document. This was a notable shift from his earlier position as a follower of William Lloyd Garrison, who held that the Constitution was designed to promote Southern slavery. In his later years, Douglass denied that the Constitution guaranteed the right to hold property over men and believed that the way to abolish slavery in America was to vote abolitionist men into power. He interpreted the Constitution as a promissory note that defended liberty, justice, and freedom, and argued that it looked to the abolition of slavery rather than its perpetuation. While some speculate that Douglass's constitutional arguments were merely pragmatic, aimed at appealing to those who revered the document, others maintain that his extensive conversations with abolitionists influenced his evolving perspective.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The Constitution is not a slave-holding instrument | The way to abolish slavery in America is to vote for men who will use their powers for abolition |
| The intentions of the framers of the Constitution were good | The "slave insurrection" clause is actually a law for the suppression of riots or insurrections |
| The Constitution looked to the abolition of slavery | The provision for the abolition of the slave trade makes the Constitution anti-slavery |
| Abolitionists believed Congress had the power to immediately abolish slavery | Mainstream antislavery thought was more radical than recognized |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution was a promissory note for liberty, justice and freedom
In a speech given in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1860, Frederick Douglass—a former slave and prominent abolitionist—outlined his views on the American Constitution, arguing that it was an anti-slavery document. This marked a significant shift from his earlier position, which aligned with that of his mentor, William Lloyd Garrison, who held that the Constitution was ""a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell", designed to promote Southern slavery.
In his later years, Douglass came to believe that the Constitution was a "promissory note" for liberty, justice, and freedom. He argued that the Constitution did not guarantee the right to hold property in men and that it looked to the abolition of slavery rather than its perpetuation. This interpretation of the Constitution as an abolitionist document was a key aspect of Douglass's political thought and set him apart from other abolitionists like Garrison, who refused to vote or hold office under what they considered a slave-holding instrument.
Douglass's evolving views on the Constitution were likely influenced by his extensive conversations with abolitionists who defended the American experiment. He also recognised the political expediency of his position, understanding that being a political abolitionist was more palatable to Americans than being a moral abolitionist. By appealing to the Constitution, Douglass could advance the anti-slavery cause in a way that resonated with his audience.
Furthermore, Douglass's interpretation of the Constitution led him to the conclusion that Congress had the power to immediately abolish slavery in the states, a position even more radical than that of Abraham Lincoln, the most prominent anti-slavery politician of his time. This demonstrates the depth of Douglass's commitment to the abolition of slavery and his willingness to challenge mainstream thinking to advance his cause.
In conclusion, Frederick Douglass's view of the American Constitution as a "promissory note" for liberty, justice, and freedom reflected his pragmatic approach to abolitionism and his belief in the potential for political reform to bring about an end to slavery in America. By advocating for the election of politicians who would use their power to abolish slavery, Douglass demonstrated his faith in the ability of the American political system to deliver on the promise of freedom and justice enshrined in the Constitution.
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It did not guarantee the right to own slaves
In a speech delivered in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1860, Frederick Douglass outlined his views on the American Constitution, arguing that it was an anti-slavery document. Douglass's stance on the Constitution evolved over time, and his interpretation of it as an abolitionist document was influenced by his conversations with other abolitionists.
One of the key arguments put forth by Douglass was that the Constitution did not guarantee the right to own slaves. He asserted that the Constitution did not recognise the right to hold property in men, and that it was not a slaveholding instrument. This belief was in stark contrast to the views of some other abolitionists, such as William Lloyd Garrison, who considered the Constitution to be pro-slavery and refused to vote or hold office under it.
Douglass's interpretation of the Constitution as an abolitionist document was shaped by his understanding of its nature and character. He believed that the intentions of the framers of the Constitution were good and that it looked to the abolition of slavery rather than its perpetuation. Douglass also argued that the ""slave insurrection" clause" was not truly about slaves or slaveholders but was a law for the suppression of riots or insurrections.
By referring to the Constitution as a "promissory note", Douglass emphasised his belief in its potential to defend liberty, justice, and freedom. He recognised the political expediency of his position, understanding that being a political abolitionist was more palatable to Americans than being a moral abolitionist. Douglass's theory of constitutional change, normativity, and development suggests that his views were not merely a pragmatic approach to persuade more people to oppose slavery.
In conclusion, Douglass's belief that the Constitution did not guarantee the right to own slaves was a fundamental aspect of his interpretation of the document as anti-slavery. His arguments on this topic contributed to the broader debate surrounding the nature and impact of the American Constitution in shaping the country's stance on slavery.
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The intentions of the framers of the Constitution were good
In a speech delivered in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1860, Frederick Douglass outlined his views on the American Constitution, arguing that it was an anti-slavery document. While Douglass had initially shared the view of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, who believed that the Constitution was designed to promote slavery, he later came to reject this interpretation.
In his speech, Douglass made several points to support his argument that the Constitution was anti-slavery. One key point was that the intentions of the framers of the Constitution were good. He believed that the Constitution looked to the abolition of slavery rather than its perpetuation. This view was consistent with the historical context of the time, as many regarded slavery as a doomed system that would soon disappear. Douglass also pointed out that the Constitution included a provision for the abolition of the slave trade, which would put an end to slavery if an anti-slavery president were in office.
The intentions of the framers of the Constitution can be seen as good when considering their historical context. At the time, many people, including Wilberforce and Clarkson, believed that providing for the abolition of the slave trade would eventually lead to the abolition of slavery itself. This perspective aligned with the belief that slavery was an expiring system destined to disappear. By including this provision in the Constitution, the framers demonstrated their intention to move towards the abolition of slavery.
Additionally, Douglass argued that the Constitution did not guarantee the right to hold property in men. He believed that voting anti-slavery politicians into power was the best way to abolish slavery in America. This perspective suggests that Douglass saw the Constitution as a tool that could be used to advance the cause of abolition. By interpreting the Constitution as anti-slavery, Douglass provided a politically palatable framework for Americans to support the abolition movement.
Furthermore, Douglass's evolving views on the Constitution demonstrate his commitment to a thoughtful and nuanced understanding of the issue. His early ambivalence towards the Constitution, influenced by Garrison's perspective, gave way to a more complex interpretation as he engaged in extensive conversations and debates with other abolitionists. Douglass's development of a cogent theory of constitutional change and normativity suggests that his beliefs were not merely pragmatic but also rooted in a sincere conviction.
In conclusion, Frederick Douglass's argument that the intentions of the framers of the Constitution were good is supported by his interpretation of the Constitution as an anti-slavery document. By highlighting the historical context, the provision for the abolition of the slave trade, and the potential for political change, Douglass presented a compelling case for his belief in the good intentions of the framers. While there may be differing interpretations of Douglass's true motivations, his impact on the abolitionist movement and the constitutional debate cannot be understated.
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Abolitionists believed Congress could end slavery in states
In a speech delivered in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1860, abolitionist Frederick Douglass outlined his views on the American Constitution, arguing that it was anti-slavery. In his speech, "The Constitution of the United States: Is It Pro-Slavery or Anti-Slavery?", Douglass presented several points to support his argument.
Firstly, Douglass asserted that the Constitution did not guarantee the right to hold property in man, and that the way to abolish slavery was to vote for men who would use their power to end it. Secondly, he pointed out that the Constitution looked to the abolition of slavery rather than its perpetuation, indicating that the intentions of its framers were good. Thirdly, he referenced the "slave insurrection" clause, arguing that it was not truly about slaves or slaveholders, but rather a law for the suppression of riots or insurrections. Finally, Douglass believed that if an anti-slavery president were to be elected, the power to suppress slave insurrections could be used to put an end to slavery.
Abolitionists, including black and white Americans, played a crucial role in the movement to end slavery. They advocated for the immediate and full emancipation of all enslaved people, utilizing various strategies to achieve their goal. Abolitionists sent petitions to Congress, demanding an end to slavery. They also held meetings, conferences, and speeches to spread their message. Additionally, they boycotted products made with slave labor and distributed anti-slavery literature to the South. The abolitionist movement, with its intense debates and violent confrontations, contributed to the growing divide in the nation and ultimately led to the Civil War.
Women, despite being denied full access to political and religious spaces, were also actively involved in the abolitionist movement. They used their religious faith and authority to speak out against slavery, challenging male-dominated church systems. Abolitionist women such as Sarah Otis Ernst and Maria Child employed persuasive writing, public speeches, and organizing work to fight not just slavery but also the systems that perpetuated it. Their efforts, along with those of other abolitionists, played a significant role in ending slavery and paved the way for subsequent movements, such as women's suffrage and the advancement of civil rights.
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The Constitution was anti-slavery in intent and nature
In a speech delivered in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1860, Frederick Douglass, a former slave, outlined his views on the American Constitution. He argued that the Constitution was anti-slavery in intent and nature for several reasons.
Firstly, Douglass denied that the Constitution guaranteed the right to hold property in men. He believed that the way to abolish slavery in America was to vote for men who would use their power to abolish slavery. Douglass saw the Constitution as a "promissory note" that defended liberty, justice, and freedom in principle, even if not always in practice.
Secondly, Douglass argued that the Constitution looked to the abolition of slavery rather than its perpetuation. He pointed out that the intentions of the framers of the Constitution were good, and that the so-called "slave insurrection" clause was not actually about slaves or slaveholders but was a law for the suppression of riots or insurrections.
Thirdly, Douglass's interpretation of the Constitution as an abolitionist document was influenced by his conversations and debates with abolitionists who defended the American experiment. He concluded that Congress had the power to immediately abolish slavery in the states, a position that even the radical antislavery politician Abraham Lincoln rejected.
Finally, Douglass's views on the Constitution differed from those of his early mentor, William Lloyd Garrison, who believed that the Constitution was specifically designed to promote Southern slavery. Garrison denounced the Constitution as "a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell," and burned a copy of it in 1854. In contrast, Douglass took a more pragmatic approach, recognizing that being a political abolitionist was more palatable to Americans than being a moral abolitionist.
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Frequently asked questions
In a speech in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1860, Frederick Douglass outlined his view that the American Constitution was an anti-slavery document.
Firstly, Douglass denied that the Constitution guarantees the right to hold property in men. Secondly, he believed that the intentions of the framers of the Constitution were good. Thirdly, he thought the Constitution looked to the abolition of slavery rather than its perpetuity. Finally, he believed that the ""slave insurrection" clause was not about slaves or slaveholders.
No. In his early life, Douglass was ambivalent towards the Constitution. When he first joined the abolitionist movement in 1838, he was a follower of William Lloyd Garrison, who believed that the Constitution was designed to promote Southern slavery.
Douglass had extensive conversations and debates with abolitionists who defended the American experiment, and it is likely that he was convinced by some of their arguments. Additionally, he may have recognised that it was politically expedient to frame the anti-slavery cause through a constitutional lens.
