Westward Expansion: Abolition and Suffrage

SOL USI.8d: The student will demonstrate knowledge of westward expansion and reform in America from 1801 to 1861 by: d) identifying the main ideas of the

abolitionist and suffrage movements

Abolitionist Movement

A. The abolitionists worked to end SLAVERY. Most abolitionists demanded immediate FREEING of the slaves.

Abolitionist Movement: Beliefs

Believed Slavery was

• Morally wrong

• Cruel and INHUMANE

• A violation of the principles (ideas) of DEMOCRACY

Abolitionist Leaders: Harriet Tubman

Led hundreds of enslaved African Americans to freedom along the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Abolitionist Leaders: William Lloyd Garrison

Wrote THE LIBERATOR and worked for the immediate emancipation (freeing) of all enslaved African Americans

Abolitionist Leaders: Frederick Douglass

Wrote the NORTH STAR and worked for the rights to better the lives of African Americans and women.

Abolitionist Movement: Leaders

JOHN BROWN

John Brown led a raid at Harper’s Ferry to encourage the liberation movement of African Americans

Suffrage Movement

B. The suffrage movement helped WOMEN gain equal rights. Supporters declared: “All men and women are created equal”

Suffrage Movement: Beliefs

Believed that women were deprived of basic rights:

• Denied the right to VOTE

• Denied the educational opportunities, especially higher education

• Denied equal opportunities in BUSINESS

• Limited rights to own PROPERTY

Suffrage Movement Leaders

• The movement was led by strong women who began their campaign before the CIVIL WAR and continued after the war ended

Suffrage Movement Leaders: Isabel Sojourner Truth

A former enslaved African American who was a nationally known advocate (supporter) for equality and JUSTICE

Suffrage Movement Leaders: Susan B. Anthony

Was an advocate to gain VOTING rights for women and equal rights for all.

Suffrage MovementLeaders: Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Played a leadership role in the women’s rights MOVEMENT

Her personal “Declaration of Sentiments” is often credited for initiating the first suffrage movements in the country.