Human Heritage: A World History

"Frederick Douglass"

Introduction
The early government of the United States was founded on the conviction that all men were endowed with the right to liberty. Nearly 100 years after America won its independence from England, however, enslaved African Americans were still fighting for freedom. Frederick Douglass escaped slavery, fought for abolitionism, and influenced several U.S. presidents during the 1800s. Read about this remarkable man and his efforts to abolish slavery at the American Visionaries: Frederick Douglass Web site.

Destination Title: American Visionaries: Frederick Douglass

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Directions
Start at the American Visionaries: Frederick Douglass Web site.

• Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
• Then answer the following questions.

1			What were some of the offices held by Frederick Douglass?
2			What was Douglass's key to freedom?
3			In what ways did Douglass work to improve the lives of African Americans?
4			What cause was Douglass involved in toward the end of his life?
5			Imagine you can travel back to 1889 to have a conversation with Frederick Douglass. On a separate sheet of paper, record your conversation with Douglass. Have him talk about the challenges he faced and his hopes for the future. Use the notes from your research in writing out the conversation.