
Throughout history, there have always been people with opposing ideas. Due to these consistent conflicts, groups with similar beliefs come together and protest for their common goal.  Some of the most famous and influential protests occurred during the abolition movement. Passionate African American people stood up for their rights, and created a movement to end slavery. Two notable abolitionists are Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. These educated men were successful in gaining a following of all races to fight against abolition. In Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” we see the power of a peaceful abolition speech in the north. Douglass was inspired by William Lloyd Garrison to use non- violent protest techniques to create a positive change toward the end of slavery because Garrison was a civil promoter and writer for The American Anti- Slavery Society and The Liberator in the 1830s.

The controversy of slavery in the 1800s began to stir up a lot of debate and attention. People began to rise up to create a revolution for equality. William Lloyd Garrison was a religious social reformer from the north who was able to attract people through his popular societies and literature. In 1830 Garrison began to publish The Liberator articles which built his reputation as a pacifist and abolition leader. His motto in the articles read, “Our country is the world- our countrymen are mankind” (Garrison). This proves his nobility and faith to this 

country and desire to create unity. He believes America can be the best country in the world if we work together to establish equality. Furthermore, Garrison was the founder of the American Anti- Slavery Society (AAS) in 1834, composed of men and women of all races from 6 northern states, to recognize the sinfulness of inequality and honor their nation. Despite the constant oppression, judgement and threats, the AAS remained focused and peaceful in their protests and is claimed to be one of the most benevolent groups of devoted laborers and abolitionists in history (Estlin 26). In summary, Garrison was a religious motivator who inspired many men and women with the AAS and The Liberator throughout the 1800s to end slavery and create unity.

In the 1850s, Frederick Douglass became more of a voice in the abolition movement. He was heavily influenced by Garrison. Douglass gained the courage and education to perform peaceful protests because of Garrison’s large following and written works. More specifically, Douglass gave speeches to fellow anti- slavery men and women. Similar to Garrison, he used his words and peacefulness to appeal to people involved in the movement. His most famous speech called “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” quotes Garrison’s work and uses similar techniques within the speech to create change. Garrison was a religious and philanthropic man, and Douglass respected him for his devotion and education. Douglass references the people who came before them, and why Americans owe it to the people who have contributed to their country’s history to fight against slavery (Boxhill 311). The Liberator contains accounts in favor of slave and the government which inspired Douglass to write and perform “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. Both men speak in a neutral way without blaming anyone. The founders of the republic and abolitionists are all similar because of the love the have for their country. Their ancestors worked hard to create liberty and honor in America, and they owe it to those men to bring this revolution to a peaceful bondage (Douglass 260). Douglass is expressing what he has learned from Garrison by using his faith and patriotism to create a positive change.

Garrison and Douglass had a common goal to end slavery: moral persuasion. With their spirituality and humility, they both incorporated those aspects into their non- violet protests. For example, Douglass recites a poem in his speech, “Not blow for blow; That day will come all feuds to end. And change into a faithful friend Each foe” (Garrison 274). This stanza by Garrison gives the listener a clear idea of their mentality. They want to be able to cease the feuds with our enemies. They believe this will be possible one day, without the use of violence. Douglass references this because he knows people will find it in their hearts to listen and emphasize with him, just as Garrison has done. It is very powerful to hear the words from a white male say he wants equality and peace. This is why Douglass became so inspired to follow in Garrison’s footsteps and become an influential lecturer. By discouraging force and threats, Garrison and Douglass were able to preach their ideas in a peaceful way. It eventually resulted is a positive change. Historians agree that the abolition was a success due to the moral efforts of these men.

During this time it was very rare for an African American to be educated. However, as an ex- slave Douglass was able to travel and learn to read, write, and orate. If people continue with hateful character, there will be no progression and education will be confined within the privileged few (Douglass 274). Both patriots value their education and understand the importance of knowledge, especially when it comes to articulating their beliefs in front of large groups. Garrison had to translate the proceedings for the American Anti- Slavery Society and be 

a fearless leader. Despite his doubts and fears, Douglass still was able to give his abolition speech. Douglass states he had a quailing sensation and strong nerves because he has put a lot of thought and study into giving a proper performance (256). A lot of the confidence to do this is from the past success and admiration for William Lloyd Garrison. Douglass was once a mere follower of the anti-slavery movement and now he is an activator because of his academic experiences and faith that his listeners can free him from embarrassment. 

Douglass and Garrison have pride in their country. They do not blame the government or American leaders for the inequality that is present. Douglass empathizes with his home government in “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. Since they were under British crown they can not be blamed for restraining black people. He truly believes they are doing this because they believe it is wise and proper, since they were once suppressed and treated unfairly by the English Government (Douglass 257). Nevertheless, he is still asking for them to be empathetic in return. He is reaching out to the reasonable and honest men of his country to refer to the Declaration they have written and be true to its principles. Garrison was also famous for writing about Abraham Lincoln in The Liberator. Garrison was a supporter of Lincoln which encouraged Douglass to admire the founding fathers as wise and great men who have the power to bring justice. Similar to the motto of The Liberator, Douglass emphasizes, “Your fathers have lived, died, and have done their work, and have done much of it well. You must live and must die, and you must do your work” (261). It is now up to them to create their future and leave a noble legacy just as their ancestors did. By “do your work” Douglass means that all men and women have to join in the movement Garrison and Douglass are preaching because that is what this country is supposed to represent.

Morality, knowledge, and pride in their country are all aspects that Douglass and Garrison have incorporated into their peaceful protests. “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” was a speech given by Frederick Douglass in 1852 to promote anti- slavery and move this country in a positive direction towards equality. Douglass was inspired by the teachings of William Lloyd Garrison who wrote articles in The Liberator and founded the AAS. Garrison was white man known for his peaceful protests and strong leadership. He had pride and faith in this nation, spoke out, and gained followers. Douglass was a follower who became a preacher as well. With the inspiration from Garrison, Douglass uses his education, non-violence, and american history as techniques in “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” to empathize with fellow Americans, get their attention, and put an end to slavery. 