The Narrative Of Frederick Douglas's Life

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Frederick Douglass, born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, was born into slavery in Maryland in February 1817. Since he was a slave, his exact birthdate is not known. His mother was not married, so it is assumed that Douglass’ father was his white master. He was separated from his mother at a young age, and was forced to work on the property of the Captain Aaron Anthony. In 1825, Anthony loaned Douglass to live with Hugh Auld and his family in Baltimore, Maryland. Frederick’s life improved while he lived with the Auld family. Hugh’s wife began teaching Douglass basic reading and writing until her husband stopped her. Douglass was still unhappy with his life in slavery, and wanted it to end. Eventually Douglass’ past owner Captain Anthony …show more content…
He took this sailors identity, and was able to escape to New York. He adapted the name Douglass at this point in time. He then married another free African American woman, and they moved to Massachusetts.
Frederick rapidly began to be a part of the antislavery movement. He delivered a speech at an abolitionist meeting in 1841, and was hired by the Massachusetts Antislavery Society to be a lecturer. He inspired a group Harvard students so substantially, that they convinced him to write a biography of his life, which was published in 1845. The book gave details of his owner, his escape, and his location. He feared for his safety, so he moved to Britain from 1845-1847. He spoke about slavery and abolition until he made enough money to buy his freedom when he returned to America.
When he returned to American, Frederick moved to New York, and started a newspaper called “North Star”. This paper was published under different names until 1863 and called for an end to slavery. Douglass was contacted by John Brown, who asked him to help attack a weapons arsenal in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Douglass did not agree with Brown’s plan, and turned his offer