Frederick Douglass (circa 1818-1895) was an abolitionist orator, minister, writer, editor, reformer, and statesman, who had been born a slave in Maryland, escaped to New York at around the age of 20, and became a talented orator and writer. Owing to the power of his condemnation of slavery and his skill in presenting it, Douglass was among the most popular speakers on the lecture circuit, became a bestselling author, and, by the end of his life, was the most photographed American of the 19th century.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 1818 - 1895Life of abolitionist, writer, orator, visionary, and reformer Frederick Douglass.
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c. 1826Frederick Douglass is taught to read by his master's wife, Sophia Auld, until she is forced to stop by her husband.
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c. 1833Frederick Douglass fights back against the overseer Edward Covey, asserting his humanity and encouraging him to seek freedom.
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c. 1837Frederick Douglass falls in love with the free Black woman Anna Murray who encourages him to escape slavery.
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3 Sep 1838Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery in Maryland and travels to freedom in New York City.
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15 Sep 1838Frederick Douglass and Anna Murray are married in New York City.
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1845Frederick Douglass publishes Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, a bestseller.
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1845 - 1847Frederick Douglass tours Ireland and Great Britain on a speaking tour promoting his book.
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1846English abolitionists raise money to purchase the freedom of Frederick Douglass.
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1847Frederick Douglass establishes his abolitionist newspaper the North Star in Rochester, New York.
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1848Frederick Douglass speaks at the Seneca Falls Convention in support of women's suffrage.
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5 Jul 1852Frederick Douglass delivers his famous speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?".
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1853Frederick Douglass publishes his novella "The Heroic Slave", a fictionalized version of the Creole Mutiny of 1841, his only published fiction.
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1859Frederick Douglass refuses to join John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry.
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1861 - 1865Frederick Douglass campaigns to allow Black soldiers to fight in the Civil War and supports the war effort.
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1865 - 1875Frederick Douglass takes part in efforts during Reconstruction to further equality and justice in the United States.
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1882Anna Douglas dies.
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1884Frederick Douglass marries his second wife, Helen Pitts.
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1889 - 1891Frederick Douglass is Consul-General to the Republic of Haiti.
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20 Feb 1895Frederick Douglass dies of a heart attack at his home in Washington, D.C.
