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Abolitionism was one of the critical movements in the history of the USA. Salves’ desire to acquire freedom and play an important role in the development of their state contributed to significant changes in society and the nation’s development. However, along with the numerous logical and vital ideas and reforms that emerged in the 19th century, many were utopian, impractical, and even dangerous for society. It can be seen in the Declaration of Sentiments of the American Anti-Slavery Society, which represents its members as irresponsible agitators unable to plan society’s development and its radical change.
The basic problem linked to slavery in the USA was its systemic nature. It was one of the pillars of its economic system, ensuring the stable work of numerous industries and states. For this reason, the elimination of slavery required a wise and careful strategy to ensure the balance is preserved and that suitable labor reform is suggested (Griffin, 2018). However, abolitionists offered radical measures such as the immediate termination of slavery in all regions (American Anti-Slavery Society, 1833). Moreover, they emphasized that “no compensation should be given to planters emancipating the slaves” (American Anti-Slavery Society, 1833, p. 2). In real life, it would result in the collapse of most Southern states’ economies because of the absence of workers and money to hire new ones. That is why most ideas presented by society could be viewed as utopian ones, which makes them irresponsible agitators.
At the same time, cogitating about slavery and the new American state, abolitionists offered several important ideas. They referred to the Declaration of Independence, stating that all individuals are equal and have inalienable rights to life and liberty (American Anti-Slavery Society, 1833). This appeal to the primary document of the young state created the legal basis for the enslaved people’s claims and contributed to the empowerment of abolitionist movements. As a result, the idea of freedom for all people became the part of the national idea in the USA.
Moreover, as stated previously, the Southern states were critically dependent on slaves and their labor. For this reason, they offered numerous laws to stop abolitionist movements, such as the prohibition of any discussions of slavery in 1836 or the Gag Rule (Griffin, 2018). However, instead of suppressing the activists, it contributed to the increased number of abolitionists’ claims and their transformation into a more organized power. As a result, the law was canceled because of the growing number of requests and the gradual change in public opinion.
Finally, the antislavery movement became a potent stimulus for developing the women’s rights movement. Many female activists struggled against African-Americans’ discrimination and exploitation (“Antislavery connection,” 2015). It taught them how to protest against various forms of injustice and protect their rights. It also cultivated the change in mentalities and the desire to contribute to the evolution of a young state. In such a way, the women’s rights movement became a successor of abolition (“Antislavery connection,” 2015). The successful example of positive shifts motivated them to engage in the struggle and become active participants in the social processes occurring within a state.
Altogether, abolitionists’ statements can be viewed as mostly utopian because of the lack of rational ideas and plans for restructuring society and the economy. However, they became an important stimulus for the development of American society and the emergence of new ideas of freedom and equality. Appealing to the Declaration of Independence and basic human rights, abolitionists inspired other minorities, such as women, to fight for their rights and acquire better positions in the young state with numerous perspectives for development and growth.
References
American Anti-Slavery Society. (1833). Declaration of sentiments of the American anti-slavery society. Adopted at the formation of said society, in Philadelphia, on the 4th day of December, 1833. New York. Published by the American anti-slavery society, 142 Nassau Street. William S. Library of Congress. Web.
Antislavery connection. (2015). National Historical Park. Web.
Griffin, S. (2018). Anti-slavery Utopias: communitarian labor reform and the abolitionist movement. Journal of the Civil War Era, 8(2), 243-268. Web.
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