Author: Frederick Douglass
Summary of Section 1: Although America has had many wise men that led it to greatness, it is still a young nation that can still make childish mistakes.
Summary of Section 2: The wise men were brave to stand up and fight against the tyranny of the British.
Summary of Section 3: Many of the men were poor but favored peace. However, because their freedom came first, they were willing to fight.
Summary of Section 4: The past should be used as a guide on what to not do and what should be done better. We should learn from our mistakes in order to improve our beloved nation.
Summary of Section 5: Fourth of July means nothing to a slave because he is not free like the white men. The slave inherits nothing from the constitution. Abolitionists fail to persuade the public that slavery is bad.
Summary of Section 6: Fourth of July reminds slaves of the injustice and cruelty that was and is bestowed upon them and not the white men.
Summary of Section 7: Slavery is not a good thing to experience in life, especially as a child. Seeing everything a slave went through is traumatizing. Children were sold and treated like livestock.
Summary of Section 8: America is still not a slave free nation. There is no real freedom to thank God for. Its all a mask to hide behind.
Summary of Section 9: The American Church was two-faced when speaking of slavery. The prayers spoken meant nothing. There was no reason for them to be spared.
Summary of Section 10: With slavery existing in our nation, Republicanism is branded as a sham. However those at fault will be punished.
Summary of Section 11: The mention of slavery is found nowhere in the constitution but there are principles and purposes opposing slavery within it.
Summary of Section 12: Every feud and fight will end and every person will be born with equal rights.
Summary of Selection: This speech by Douglass explains what exactly the fourth of July