What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July Analysis

In the speech “ What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” given by Frederick Douglass, he announces his goals for the future men and women of the United States. Douglass is a well known, powerful public speaker who was born into slavery then later escaped at the age of twenty one. On the day of his speech, he addresses an audience at the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society during a time where people of the United States visioned the total abolition of slavery as a profound cause. He speaks against slavery as well as pushes for equality of all people. Furthermore, events such as the abolition of slavery, and the Civil Rights Movement reveal that these goals were achieved
Frederick Douglass preached to African Americans as well as white men
and women about his goals of the abolition of slavery and equality. Douglass played a huge role in the abolitionist movement. He claims in his speech that slavery is “the great sin and shame of America.” He uses his powerful words to influence his fellow citizens that slavery is wrong and should cease to continue. Since the time being, The Civil Rights Movement allowed for a huge breakthrough in equal rights among the African American community. In addition, Thirteen years after Douglass’ speech was given, the Thirteenth amendment was passed, resulting in the abolition of slavery. Furthermore, in the article “‘What To The Slave Is The Fourth of July?’ Frederick Douglass, Revisited” by Abigail Censky, the author reminds us that “history can change- things can change. Or else [Douglass] wouldn’t have given the speech.” Looking back in history, the thought of the total abolition of slavery was thought to be a radical cause, but it was abolished, proving that things did change and things and the future will do so as well. Looking into today’s society, James Truslow Adams, author of “The Unity of the United States” reports that the U.S “is a united nation in spite of all sorts of differences of opinions, sectional, political, and other.” Together the nation conquered slavery and managed to achieve equality among one another. All in all, the progress the United States has made and events that have taken place since Douglass’ speech in 1852 proves that his goals were achieved.
In short, It took some time for the United States to get to where it is today. Frederick Douglass’ goals was to achieve equality among one another and abolish slavery. These goals were indeed achieved. Even though Douglass’ dream to achieve equality is an ongoing process, from 1852 until present day, the United States as a whole has come a long way in attempts to eradicate racism and any gesture of inequality once and for all. Slavery has been abolished, so now, looking into the future for this country, it is only hoped that the citizens of the U.S can overcome differences that can allow people to live together equally.