Significantly, the speech was delivered on July 5th, 1852 to an audience comprised mainly of women from the Rochester Anti-Slavery Sewing Society , in commemoration of July 4th.
Who was the audience of Frederick Douglass speech?
Frederick Douglass’s intended audience was white people, mainly in the north , as he wanted to convince them of the damaging effects of slavery and to convince them that slavery should be abolished.
Who was the audience for The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro?
The fiery orator was invited to speak about what the holiday means for American Blacks to a group of approximately 500 abolitionists who each paid twelve and a half cents to hear the former slave speak.
What was the purpose of What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
In “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Frederick Douglass sought not only to convince people of the wrongfulness of slavery but also to make abolition more acceptable to Northern whites .
Who is the intended audience of a slave narrative?
The intended audience for the slave narrative was, undoubtedly, abolitionists (and potential abolitionists) . Most slaves were unable to read or write, and the books wouldn’t have circulated in the South except, perhaps, via underground booksellers.
What is the main idea of Frederick Douglass speech?
Throughout this speech, as well as his life, Douglass advocated equal justice and rights, as well as citizenship, for blacks . He begins his speech by modestly apologizing for being nervous in front of the crowd and recognizes that he has come a long way since his escape from slavery.
How does Douglass persuade his audience?
Douglass, who published his account of slavery in 1845, knows that he can appeal to his white Christian audience through their religious beliefs . Therefore, he uses Christianity as common ground to sway his readers against slavery. Douglass uses appeals to the common humanity he shares with his white readers.
What does July 4 mean to the Negro?
Frederick Douglass: “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” (July 5, 1852) ... In this famous speech, Douglass says: “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim .
What did Frederick Douglass say about the Fourth of July?
It was a scathing speech in which Douglass stated, “ This Fourth of July is yours, not mine, You may rejoice, I must mourn. ” “Fellow Citizens, I am not wanting in respect for the fathers of this republic. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were brave men.
What did Frederick Douglass say about July 4th?
Douglass said that the fathers of the nation were great statesmen, and that the values expressed in the Declaration of Independence were “saving principles”, and the “ringbolt of your nations destiny” , stating, “stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at ...
What is the true meaning of the 4th of July?
On July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence .
Why did Douglass write his narrative?
By 1845 he had become well-known for his performances at abolitionist rallies, but he was so articulate and intelligent that many people had begun to doubt he had ever actually been a slave. He wrote his Narrative both to “prove” his identity, and to bring his eloquent indictment of slavery to a wider audience .
What were abolitionists fighting for?
An abolitionist, as the name implies, is a person who sought to abolish slavery during the 19th century. ... The abolitionists saw slavery as an abomination and an affliction on the United States, making it their goal to eradicate slave ownership.
What is the purpose of learning to read and write Frederick Douglass?
Subject. Frederick Douglass was trying to show the reader that knowledge is power and a curse, but he wants to instil in the reader a determination to not only become knowledgeable but to also apply that knowledge to better yourself, better those who surround you and better your world.
What is the main idea of the hypocrisy of American slavery?
In the speech, Hypocrisy of American Slavery, Frederick Douglass declares that Americans should not be celebrating their freedom when there are slaves living in the country .
What did Frederick Douglass argue about slavery?
1. Slavery. In his three narratives, and his numerous articles, speeches, and letters, Douglass vigorously argued against slavery. He sought to demonstrate that it was cruel, unnatural, ungodly, immoral, and unjust .
