American abolitionists
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) – Although a slave owner himself, he sought to outlaw slavery at different stages. In 1784, he proposed federal legislation banning slavery, but it failed to pass by one vote. As President, Jefferson sought to make slavery a crime and in 1807, passed the Act prohibiting the import of slaves.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) – Although Franklin initially owned slaves himself. He became opposed to the institution. In 1785, he became president of an abolitionist group in Pennsylvania, originally formed by the Quakers.
Tom Paine (1737-1809) – Paine was an English-American writer and political activist. He is credited with writing “African Slavery in America” (1776) one of first published works to call for the emancipation of black slaves.
susan-b-anthonyJohn Jay (1745 – 1829 ) A son of a New York slave owner, Jay sought to abolish slavery in his state of New York and became one of leading advocates of manumission – the process where slaves are given their freedom. Jay also advocated the provision of education for former slaves.
Sojourner_truthSojourner Truth (1797 – 1883) African-American abolitionist and women’s rights campaigner. Former slave who gave powerful speeches on the inhumanity of slavery and the justification for equal rights.
susan-b-anthonyJohn Brown (1800-1859) – A fervent abolitionist who believed in armed insurrection against the institution of slavery. In 1859, he led an armed uprising in Harpers Ferry, Virginia aiming to free slaves and end the practise. He was executed for his attempted uprising.
susan-b-anthonyWilliam Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879) – A prominent anti-slavery campaigner, Garrison founded the journal ‘The Liberator’ and made the radical call for immediate emancipation of slaves. Garrison often faced threats of physical violence and imprisonment for the radical force of his views.
Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865) President of US during the American civil war. Lincoln made the famous Emancipation Proclamation (1863) – declaring “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.” – This proclamation was followed by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution (1865) outlawing slavery.
peopleHarriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1869) – US Campaigner against slavery. Her influential novel ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ (1852) helped challenge attitudes on slavery within America.
susan-b-anthonyElizabeth Cady Stanton (1815 – 1902 ) – Stanton was a vocal critic of slavery, campaigning for NY Anti-slavery society. She also helped the underground railroad, a movement helping black people to escape slavery.
Susan B. Anthonysusan-b-anthony (1820-1906) – Susan Anthony was an active member of the American Anti-Slavery Society. She met fierce hostility, but continued to press for an amendment to the US constitution to outlaw slavery. Also, prominent women’s right activist.
susan-b-anthonyFrederick Douglass (1818-1895) A former slave, Douglass became a leading figurehead in the anti-slavery movement. One of the most prominent African American leaders of the Nineteenth Century. His autobiography of life as a slave, and his speeches denouncing slavery – were influential in changing public opinion.
Harriet_TubmanHarriet Tubman (1822 – 1913) A former slave who escaped and then returned to lead other slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. She served in the Civil War as spy and guide. She became a well known speaker on the experiences of slavery.
susan-b-anthonySam Sharpe led a Christmas rebellion in Jamaica (1831) – an event that catalysed anti-slavery sentiment.
British
susan-b-anthonyLord Mansfield (1705-1793) Judge whose opinion in Somerset’s Case (1772) set important precedent that slavery was illegal in England.
susan-b-anthonyJames Ramsay (1733-1789) Ramsay was one of the first Anglican vicars to write extensively on the slave trade. His first hand descriptions of the mistreatment of slaves was very influential in galvanising the anti-slavery movement in England.
susan-b-anthonyQuakers. Quakers were amongst the first white people to denounce slavery. Many of the early anti-slavery societies in US and UK were created by Quakers.
susan-b-anthonyJosiah Wedgwood (1730-1795) A prominent anti-slavery campaigner. He is remembered for his medallion “Am I Not a Man And a Brother?” anti-slavery medallion.
William Wilberforce(1759 – 1833) – Campaigned against slavery, helping to outlaw slavery in Great Britain. The Slavery Abolition Act 1833, was passed three
