1. Frederick Douglass 1817 ? – 1895

2. Frederick Douglass Born into slavery in Maryland and separated from his mother soon after birth –Douglass referred to this separation as a cruel and barbaric act resulting from the slave system; however, fitting with the idea of slavery: reducing man to brute Because records were rarely kept for children born into slavery, he was never sure of his exact age. Douglass received no formal education; and instead, taught himself to read with help from individuals in his household. (The individuals later felt that Douglass’s ability to read was incompatible with being enslaved.) Escaped to Massachusetts around approx. the age of 21. –Married and began making public speeches in support of the abolitionist cause. –Changed his last name from Bailey to Douglass (inspired by a Romantic hero in a novel).

3. Frederick Douglass In 1845, Douglass went to England due to danger he faced as a fugitive. –Part of that danger resulted from the publication of his autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” which came out that same year. British friends collected around $700 and purchased his freedom. Douglass returns to the States in 1847 –Founded a newspaper where he championed the abolition of slavery –Published a revised version of his life story, “My Bondage and My Freedom” Both of his life stories were widely read and quite influential in the abolitionist cause. During the Civil War, Douglass worked for the Underground Railroad and helped recruit black soldiers for the Union armies. 1881 – he published yet another version of his life story, “The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass”

4. Douglass Reading Assignment Read “from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” (pg. 399 – 403) Read “from My Bondage and My Freedom” (pg. 413) –Both due by Monday Reminder: The Jungle Ch. 1-3 is also due Monday