Literature’s Effect During the Abolitionist Movement Essay

Throughout American history, literature has been used to bring social injustices into public view. One successful example of this was anti-slavery work written before and during the Abolitionist Movement. Abolitionist literature began to appear predominantly in 1820. Until the Civil War, the anti-slavery press produced a steadily growing stream of newspaper articles, periodicals, sermons, childrens publications, speeches, abolitionist society reports, broadsides, poems, and memoirs of former slaves. These works, initially a grass roots effort, led to increased support for the end of slavery. Through the use of vivid imagery and life experiences these authors were able to show their readers the crimes against humanity caused by slavery.†¦show more content†¦The permanence of slavery could only end in death. Dying before their time is an indignity faced by many slaves, but for most it is the only path to freedom. The author was able to transcend societal boundaries and show the reader that the slaves were just like them – people who value family, freedom, pride and life. Another common form of anti-slavery literature was newspaper articles. These publications were circulated around the colonies to serve two main proposes: build additional support for the anti-slavery movement and to inform the readers of the progress of the movement. These articles included places of protest, and recommended newly publicized works including â€Å"Uncle Tom’s Cabin.† While these publications were readily available in the north, the laws banning them in the south made it nearly impossible for supporters and slaves to keep ties on the movement. Below are the most popular publications of the time: Black Anti-Slavery Newspapers Title City Established Freedoms Journal New York 30 March 1827 Rights of All New York 28 March 1828 Weekly Advocate New York January 1837 Colored American New York 4 March 1837 (formerly the Weekly Advocate) Elevator Albany 1842 National Watchman