William+Lloyd+Garrison



="I am in earnest - I will not equivocate - I will not excuse - I will not retreat a single inch - and I will be heard." = = =

=PROFILE=

Name: William Lloyd Garrison Age: 45 Gender: Male Occupation: American Abolitionist, activist, journalist, social reformer, editor of the Newburyport Herald in 1824, editor of the National Philanthropist, co-editor Genius of Universal Emancipation, and publisher of the radical abolitionist newspaper The Liberator. If in politics, what was your occupation prior to that: Social Class: When he was little, his family was relatively poor. Financial Situation: He was the son of a merchant sailing master. Mainly due to the Embargo Act, which Congress had passed in 1807, the Garrison family fell on hard times while William was still young (He was born in 1805). In 1808, William's father deserted the family, forcing them to beg for food from more prosperous families and forcing him to work, selling homemade molasses candy and delivering wood. Appearance: He is for the most part bald, wears his signature spectacles, has a firm jaw, resolute mouth, and had many wrinkles near his eyes. In all of his pictures, he portrays this calm yet determined aura, his eyes looking at something far away rather than straight into the camera. Location: He was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Then went to Baltimore, Maryland. Then Boston and returned to New England. Daily Routine: His daily routine when he was young consisted of begging and selling homemade molasses candy and delivering wood. Later on his daily routine consisted of editing newspapers and later on, Garrison published weekly issues of The Liberator from Boston continuously for 35 years, from January 1, 1831, to the final issue of January 1, 1866. Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: People commented on Garrison's appearance, especially his spectacles. Some say that Garrison, a difficult personality, was not himself a good organizer. He was known to be brave and true. One person even states, " His energy and geniality, his keen sense of humor, his social and bouyant disposition, even his positive and opinionated temper, were sources of popular strength to him" (Grimke). Past/Individual and family history: Garrison was an only child whose father had abandoned their family when he was young. Garrison's mother, Frances Maria Lloyd, was reported to have been tall, charming and of a strong religious character. At her request, Garrison was known by his middle name, Lloyd. She died in 1823, in the town of Springfield. Social relations with others: Frederick Douglass: Garrison had a long, close history with the former slave and abolitionist reformer Frederick Douglass but the two eventually had differences regarding the value of the United States Constitution. Douglass had originally shared Garrison's anti-Constitution views, but he later came to be convinced that the Constitution mandated emancipation, while Garrison burned copies of it publicly, calling it a pro-slavery document. The two men parted company and did not reconcile until the 1870s.

In 1832, Garrison founded the New England Anti-Slavery Society and one year later co-founded the American Anti-Slavery Society. In 1833, Garrison visited the United Kingdom and assisted in the anti-slavery movement there. He intended that the Anti-Slavery Society should not align itself with any political party and that women should be allowed full participation in society activities. Garrison was influenced by the ideas of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Lucy Stone and other feminists who joined the society. These positions were seen as controversial by the majority of society members and there was a major rift in the society.

Garrison began writing for and became co-editor with Benjamin Lundy of the Quaker Genius of Universal Emancipation newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland. Garrison's experience as a printer and newspaper editor allowed him to revamp the layout of the paper and freed Lundy to spend more time traveling as an anti-slavery speaker. Garrison initially shared Lundy's gradualist views, but, while working for the Genius, he became convinced of the need to demand immediate and complete emancipation. Lundy and Garrison continued to work together on the paper in spite of their differing views, agreeing simply to sign their editorials to indicate who had written it.

Religion: A deep religious Baptist (Garrison had been raised in a "strict" New England Baptist Home) Education: He received limited education as a child, however, but he supplemented his schooling by working for various newspapers. He had several articles published in the Salem Gazette and took a position as assistant editor of the Genius of Universal Emancipation. That newspaper was published in Baltimore, Maryland, by abolitionist Benjamin Lundy. In 1831, Garrison started his own newspaper and called it the Liberator. This paper's purpose was to educate people, many of whom had never seen a slave, about the cruelty of slavery. He hoped to recruit new members to the abolition movement. Conflicts/Enemies: He looked upon the South as enemies due to the different viewpoint regarding slavery. Garrison was deeply religious and sought to expose the human horror of slavery and shame the conscience of the public. Garrison as often angered would-be supporters with his harsh and uncompromising broadsides.

= JOURNALS = = =
 * Journal #1** - The time frame is sometime during the year 1850. Consider all of the things that have taken place during the previous five years (Mexican-American War, Mexican Cession, Wilmot Proviso, Compromise of 1850, Fugitive Slave Act). You are free to write about any one (or more) of these things in your journal entry. Be sure to include your actions in response to one (or more) of these events.

Dear Diary,

It is now the year of 1850 and the vociferous argument of slavery is still ongoing. It sickens me how the South not only tolerates, yet actually advocates the inhumane action of slavery. This corrupt idea of enslaving another human begin such as you and I cannot be and should not be accepted and most definitely not carried out. I cannot understand nor wish to dive into the evil minds of those Southern slave-holders. All I desire for is the immediate emancipation of this oppressive, immoral enslavement.

Ever since my early twenties I have been attempting to bring attention to anti-slavery and thus, the idea of abolitionism. I was active in organizing the New England Anti-Slavery Society and the American Anti-Slavery Society, however, it was not until four years ago that the long-awaited attention towards anti-slavery has arose. The great man, David Wilmot proposed the Wilmot Proviso in order to prohibit the slavery expanding in any territories that were gained through the Mexican War. I was thrilled by his deed and was nearly bursting in tears once this passed the House. I finally saw that change was about to be brought and reform this land of slavery. However, I was devastated when I heard that the proposal did not pass in the Senate, where those foul Southerners had greater representation. But I know that the issue of slavery will not end here, this war of right or wrong will continue to go on...

And just as a I thought two years later, the proposal was once again introduced; but not to my surprise, it got shot down in the Senate. I was enraged by this continuous outcome and I devoted myself to my beliefs against slavery. I will not cease in expressing the people’s opinion of the abolition of slavery. Issues of //The Liberator// will continue to be published and will not be brought down by those of the South! Until the day that slavery comes to an end, I will not go down, //The Liberator// will not go down and the people will not go down!


 * Journal #2** **-T**he year is now 1852. Continue your story as you began in Journal #1. For this journal entry and all subsequent entries, you must interact with at least two other characters in each journal entry. When you interact with another character, provide a hyperlink to that character's page in your journal entry.

Dear Diary,

Ah! Once again I have been attacked by the people that my ideas are too "radical." When I stated that the current United States Constitution is an illegal document because it denied African Americans their freedom, some were enraged and put on a fit. But, listen to my point, if the South would not agree to a new nation that outlawed slavery, it is only logical that the North should secede from the United States and form its own country. We can afford to expect at least that much for the grand abolition of human evil... of slavery.

Recently, I have seen others very much like me who are taking a stance and protesting against the unruly, menacing evils of slavery. The other day, I came upon a novel titled //Uncle Tom's Cabin//, and I have to say that particular book was very well-written; it made my heart burst with emotion and even crept into the deepest parts of my soul. The terrors of slavery described in this book were real; real as if I had seen the scene happen in front of my very own eyes. I was marveled and completely touched by this author's writing and when I found out that the author was a woman, I was astonished! I have come to know many intelligent women, but not one that has been capable of publishing such powerful context. Her name is Harriet Beecher Stowe and I applaud her courageous move of publishing such work! With this novel, I can only imagine how many more people will come to open their eyes and see the true images of slavery. Once the people's eyes are open, the scenes of slavery will keep them open and permanently change their point of view upon the issue of slavery. Until the day comes when all slaves can be emancipated, I hope more people such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and Frederick Douglass will take action. Until the day slavery is abolished, let us all continue our ways! Slavery shall never prevail!

Journal #3 Dear Diary,

It is currently the year 1854. A lot has occurred, but the most outrageous Act that has been passed by the Congress is the Kansas-Nebraska Act. This despicable act was initiated by none other than Stephen Douglas. I shall go more into detail of this act and then you will understand what evils it brings to this land. As you know, the issue of slavery is still under heated debate in our country. Until now, the Missouri Compromise of 1820, has established a 36°30´latitude line that has prohibited slavery north of it. This temporary "compromise" has worked satisfactory until America obtained new land in the West. With new land available, both the northerners and southerners are eager to get their hands on it and make the territories either pro-slavery or anti-slavery. Of course, I believe that the territory should prohibit slavery in those areas of land, because once again the immoral evils of slavery should not even be tolerated in this country. Slavery is the most... oh my look at me getting carried away again. Let me continue, so the debate on slavery is still going on, however there is a major controversial issue having to do with the Kansas-Nebraska Act. This act has allowed the people in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether or not to allow slavery within their borders. Douglas says that this is "popular sovereignty" or "rule of the people" is the most effective and FAIR way.

I'm sorry, but I have to firmly state that I DISAGREE. This Act has broken the permanent "compromise" that we had set up with the South in 1820. The 36°30´ line is no longer in effect, meaning that the Missouri Compromise has been repealed. This technically means that the "compromise" between us Northerners and Southerners has been shattered as well. Now, the country is in utter chaos. People from all over the line, both North and South are rushing into the territories of Kansas and Nebraska in order to expand/abolish slavery. Pure madness is going on as Northerners and Southerners are trying to win the new territories over with their views on slavery. It is only logical that slavery should be forbidden in those lands...But what is more shocking is that President Franklin Pierce has actually let all this happen. I will see how he plans to resolve this matter, but until then I will continue to express my views on the loathsome issue of slavery.

Journal #4 - It's now 1856. Bleeding Kansas has just taken place and John Brown emerged on to the scene. Buchanan was just elected as the US President. Dred Scott is arrested and is about to be brought to trial. Continue your story.

Dear Diary,

Last time, I mentioned the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed. I also remember mentioning the chaos that was taking place with that act in America as well. Well, it was a few weeks ago that a man named John Brown has initiated what is known to be "Bleeding Kansas." John Brown and his army of people are abolitionists and are on the same boat as me when it deals with the matter of slavery: We all despise it that it rattles our bones. But Brown and his people are very radical abolitionists if I do say so myself. They have turned to violence to express their opinion of slavery and are determined to have slavery abolished. What Brown and his men did was attack a pro-slavery settlement at Pottawatomie Creek in the Kansas territory. In addition to this, Brown and his sons killed numerous pro-slavery people. Their actions at Kansas were rather rash and not taken out the way I would have done it (through words, of course), but nonetheless, I share the same ideology.

Aside from this bloody mess, there is news that Dred Scott, a slave, has been arrested and is going to have his trial. It seems that the case with Dred Scott is that he was taken by his master, Dr. John Emerson, to Illinois, a free state, thus giving his the legal right to claim his own freedom. But he failed to do so while he was in that area and now, although his wife and him are slaves, he finds that he does have the right to declare freedom since he has lived in areas where slavery was prohibited. As a citizen of America, he states that he does have the right to seek freedom through the courts. I have not heard yet how the trial is proceeding but I hope for the best of him... Surely the court will come to their senses that Mr. Scott is indeed an American citizen and deserves to be a free man. Until then...

Source: []

Journal #5 - The year is 1860. Lincoln was just elected as US President, prompting South Carolina to secede. Write the next chapter in your story.

Dear Diary,

Once again, it has been a couple years since I last wrote in you. Believe me, much more has happened from last time. It was a few days ago that Abraham Lincoln was elected our President! Oh finally, some sense has come to this country! I am confident that President Lincoln will carry out things that our former president, James Buchanan failed to do.

President Lincoln defeated the Northern Democrat Douglas, the Southern Democrat John C. Breckinridge, and the Constitutional Union candidate John Bell in the election. Lincoln is the first-ever Republican president and he has won solely based on the votes of us Northerners. Surely with him as president, things will change, beginning with slavery. It is largely known that Lincoln is a supporter of the abolition of slavery and whilst this is a major advantage to us Northerners, the South is not the least bit cheerful of results of the election. In fact, there is news that South Carolina is getting ready to secede from the Union, right after hearing about Lincoln's marvelous victory in the presidential race. South Carolina...they are always the ones who come to rash decisions, even before with the Nullification crisis. We will have to wait and see what the TRUE intentions of South Carolina are this time. The fact that they are even planning to secede the Union must mean that they either have something up their sleeve or want the impossible. I'm sure though with Lincoln as our President, all will go well. Until then...

Oh! Woe is me... I almost forgot to mention the turnouts of the Dred Scott case. Excuse me diary, I was taken by the excitement of Lincoln's victory. But...as for the Dred Scott case. The results are just enraging! The man has been enslaved once more and has not been released from the evil chains of slavery! The court has declared Mr. Scott not to be a citizen, but mere property! This is an outrage! I will continue to publish more about this irrational decision and send letters to our President about not only this matter, but slavery as well!

Source:[| http://sc94.ameslab.gov/tour/alincoln.html]