Throughout history, there have always been people with opposing ideas. Due to these consistent conflicts, groups with similar beliefs came together and protested for their common goal.  Some of the most famous and influential protests occurred during the abolition movement. Passionate Americans 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 movement to end slavery because Garrison was a writer and spokesperson for African Americans.

The controversy of slavery in the 1800s began to stir up a lot of debate and attention. People started to rise up to create a revolution to condemn racial prejudice. 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 articles in The Liberator which built his reputation as a pacifist and abolition leader. The motto in his articles read, “Our country is the world- our countrymen are mankind” (Garrison). This emphasized his nobility and faith to this country. This also stemmed from his desire to create unity. He believed America could be the best country in the world if everyone could work together to establish equality. Furthermore, Garrison was the founder of the American Anti- Slavery Society (AAS) in 1834. The AAS was composed of men and women of all races from six northern states to recognize the sinfulness of inequality and honor their nation. Garrison and the AAS gained significant attention in their movement because of the way they reacted to the judgement from outsiders. Despite the constant oppression and threats from slave owners and the government, the AAS remained focused and peaceful in their protests. They are 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 by founding and endorsing the AAS and The Liberator throughout the 1800s to end slavery and create unity.

In the 1850s, Frederick Douglass became an important voice in the abolition movement. He was heavily influenced by Garrison and actively joined him and his efforts. Douglass gained the courage and education to perform peaceful protests because of Garrison. Of course, Douglass always stuck to his beliefs and had his own self- motivation to become educated; but, he looked to Garrison for the final courage to speak out to large crowds. More specifically, Douglass gave speeches to fellow anti- slavery men and women. Similar to Garrison, he used his words and peacefulness to appeal to the people involved in the movement. His most famous speech called “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” even quoted Garrison’s work and used similar techniques within the speech to emancipate slavery. Garrison was a religious and philanthropic man, and Douglass respected him for his devotion and education. Douglass referenced 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 contained accounts in favor of the slave and the government which inspired Douglass to write and perform “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. Both men spoke in a neutral way without blaming anyone. The founders of the republic and abolitionists are 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. He uses using his faith and patriotism to create a positive change. Garrison was an important figure during his time, but Douglass was able to continue his legacy by using what he has learned and share their beliefs. Douglass played a vital part in the abolition movement due to his ability to preach and spread American pride.

Garrison and Douglass had a common goal to end slavery: moral persuasion. They both incorporated spirituality and humility into their non- violent protests. For example, Douglass recited 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 gave listeners a clear idea of their mentality. They want to be able to cease the feuds with their enemies. Garrison and Douglass believed this would be possible one day without the use of violence. Douglass referenced this because he knew people would find it in their hearts to listen and petition with him. Another reason why Douglass became so inspired to follow in Garrison’s footsteps and become an influential lecturer, is because it was very powerful to hear the words from a white male say he wanted equality and peace. As a result, Douglass became such a notable abolitionist. He was one of the few men during this time who was able to maintain the order Garrison had put in place. 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 movement was a success due to the moral efforts of these men. By sparking a peaceful effort for change, these men started a revolution to bring widespread justice and equality which we see in our world today. 

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. This is why Douglass is so well known and deserved the credit for the time and effort he put into ending slavery. He surprised people with his education and voice which caused him to gain a lot of attention. He believed if people continued with hateful character, there would be no progression and education would be confined within the privileged few (Douglass 274). Both patriots valued their education and understood the importance of knowledge, especially when it came 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. As a result, despite his doubts and fears, Douglass was able to give his abolition speech. Douglass stated he had a quailing sensation and strong nerves because he had 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 William Lloyd Garrison obtained. Douglass was once a mere follower of the anti-slavery movement, and he became an activist because of his academic experiences and faith that his listeners would free him from embarrassment. 

Douglass and Garrison had pride in their country. They did not blame the government or American leaders for the inequality that was present. Douglass empathized with his home government in “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. Since the founding fathers were under British crown, they could not be blamed for enslaving black people and limiting their rights. He truly believed they took these actions against African Americans because they believed it was wise and proper. These men were once the victims too and were suppressed and treated unfairly by the English Government (Douglass 257). Nevertheless, he was still asking for them to be empathetic in return. He reached 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. Additionally, Douglass admired Lincoln and the founding fathers as wise and great men who have the power to bring justice. Similar to the motto of The Liberator, Douglass emphasized that, “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 was then up to them to create their future and leave a noble legacy just as their ancestors did. By “do your work” Douglass meant that all men and women had to join in the movement Garrison and Douglass preached because that is what the country was supposed to represent.

Morality, knowledge, and pride in their country are all aspects that Douglass and Garrison 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. He had pride and faith in this nation, spoke out, and gained followers. Douglass was a follower who eventually became a preacher as well. With the inspiration from Garrison, Douglass used his education, non-violence, and aspects of 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.
