Writers are often inspired by the events that happen around them, whether they are positive or negative. Frederick Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” was shaped by one of the United States’ greatest sins of its history; the history of slavery and treatment of slaves as less than humans. He argues that America is a hypocritical nation because it proclaims that it promotes freedom and the protection of the rights of man, but it demeans and continually abuses slaves. These awful acts against humanity shaped Douglass’, as he was mixed-raced and was a free man, but he felt sympathy towards the black community whom were still enslaved.  To combat slavery, a strong movement of abolition towards it grew, and Douglass was a strong advocate for it. The abolitionist movement shaped his speech greatly also, and he uses the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence as an example of why abolition is the choice Americans should make. Slavery and the fight against it is what inspired Douglass’ speech most, and through the speech he paints a realistic viewpoint of what the Fourth of July celebration is to those who are not free. 

Slavery is extremely prevalent in the United States’ history, being at the forefront of issues including state laws, state’s rights, the rights of man, and whether African Americans were even people. Even though the Declaration of Independence declared that all men were equal, an entire race of people was discriminated against and forced against their will to become slaves. A whole economy had its basis on the despicable system. “Slavery in the United States” by Paul Finkelmen states that, “Most Southern whites, however, were increasingly dependent on slavery and deeply convinced of its morality and its necessity” (Finkelmen 76). The economy in the South was focused on agriculture, especially with the trade of tobacco. To grow tobacco quickly and efficiently with the most profit, southern plantation owners used slaves. This greed caused the slave trade to grow quickly, and it caused the south to culturally accept slavery. To defend the practice, some southerners would turn to the bible to defend it morally. Slaves were mistreated, beaten, and even killed. In the South, many slaves were beaten and even lynched if they misbehaved. Slavery was a deadly and brutal practice that separated loved ones, and even took the lives of innocent men and women who were forced into the practice against their will. 

During the time of Douglass’ speech, the movement of abolitionism was in full effect. The viewpoint was becoming more and more popular, as whites in the north were now joining in for the fight to end slavery. In “The Erotic South Civilization and Sexuality in American Abolitionism” by Ronald G. Waters, he describes how abolitionism changed in the 1830s when he wrote, “abolitionism became a passion driving men and women into lifelong careers” (Waters 177). The movement was finally making significant progress, as even whites who had no connection to slavery were standing up to fight against the evil act. Men like Frederick Douglass helped make this point clear to people, as he was one of the men who dedicated his life to having slavery be abolished with the United States. The fight for the abolishment of slavery was an uphill battle, and it was a battle that was won by the courageous acts made by, “flamboyant men and women and their strange, wonderful and occasionally heroic fads, causes, and crusades”, per Ronald G. Waters.  He discusses how the fight for abolition took time, and it was the hard-working and persistent attitudes of those fighting for it that brought the changes in the United States. 

The hypocrisy of the United States in regards to slavery, the inalienable rights of man stated in the Declaration of Independence, and the types of attitudes, personalities, and events regarding the movement of abolitionism inspired Douglass’ speech significantly. Douglass argues that the United States is a nation that is full of hypocrisy because of slavery. He discusses in his speech how the rebels in the Revolutionary War Era revolted against British rule because, “the measures of government [were] unjust, unreasonable, and oppressive” (Douglass 257). The colonists rebelled because the government did not protect the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Douglass argues that if the colonists felt this way and rebelled because of this reason, then it would be logical that the slaves’ rebellion against an unjust government that did not protect their rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness be justified. He states that, “to say America is right, and England was wrong is exceedingly easy”, from the perspective in the 1850s (Douglas 257). He believes that sometime in the future the United States will realize that slavery is wrong, and one day it will realize its hypocrisy and cruelty. In the conclusion of his speech is where it is easiest for readers to understand that Douglass was inspired by the work of himself and other abolitionists. Douglass does “not despair” about the state of the country because “there are forces in operation, which must inevitably work the downfall of slavery” (Douglass 233). He observes the legislation and action that is being taken by individuals and groups during his time, and he notices how the attitude is changing more and more throughout the country. As Ronald G Green said in his papers, more whites were getting involved, which would help the legislation pass. Whites had the most power during that time, and Douglass obviously was aware of the benefit it would have on the movement if whites also joined the fight. He was positive about the country because he saw the persistence those who were fighting for the end of slavery possessed. 

Frederick Douglass’ “What to a Slave Is the Fourth of July” is a speech detailing the hypocrisy of the United States, and why the Fourth of July is more insulting to blacks than a holiday. Douglass was in awe how the United States could practice such an awful practice of slavery, and he made a convincing argument to show why it was hypocritical using the Revolutionary War Era colonists and the Declaration of Independence. The colonists and the Declaration affected his speech as it was a main component of his argument. His speech paints a dark picture of the United States, and shows all the evil that is happening in southern states. However, he does state at the end of his speech that he is confident that the United States can be saved and will eventually abolish slavery, and he says this because he can see how the abolitionist movement is moving forward, and how whites who have had no connection to slavery are supporting for it to be abolished persistently. 
