Wednesday, February 21, 2018 DC History

Write down your reaction(s) to these images:

Now think about these questions: 1) What would a resident of DC have thought about the city’s slave markets? 2) How would a foreign visitor have reacted to the site of slave markets in DC? 3) How would a northern Congressman have reacted? A southern Congressman? 4) What are some different methods that could have been used to end the slave trade in DC? What would you have done?

Abolitionism in DC

Retrocession of Alexandria Date: 1846 Reasons: 1) Alexandria was a neglected part of DC; all federal buildings were located north of the river 2) Alexandria had not gained any economic advantage from its inclusion in the District 3) Flourishing slave market in Alexandria—slave dealers were worried about anti-slave trade agitation in DC Effect: By removing a large pro-slavery section from the District, the cause of ending the slave trade in the capital was advanced (Side Note): Alexandria City voted overwhelmingly for retrocession, but the majority in Alexandria County (now Arlington) opposed it

DC Abolitionists

Gamaliel Bailey Editor of the city’s leading anti-slavery newspaper, The National Era Serialized Uncle Tom’s Cabin

John Quincy Adams Former U.S. President Became the leader of the Congressional abolitionists Focused on ending the slave trade in DC

Charles T. Torrey Radical northern abolitionist; Moved to DC to confront slavery “in its citadel” Worked with black abolitionists Personally helped over 400 slaves to escape via the Underground Railroad Died in prison after being convicted of “stealing” slaves

The Free Black Population Free blacks outnumbered slaves 2 to 1 by 1850 Many members of this community were outspoken abolitionists

Practice MCQ Which of the following events did not contribute to the growing movement for the abolition of slavery in Washington, DC?   A. The Snow Riot B. The Pearl Affair  C. Frederick Douglass’ relocation to DC D. The retrocession of Alexandria

Group Activity Get to work on your Ft. Stevens Newspaper Project!

Homework City of Magnificent Intentions: “Slavery and Abolitionism in DC”