Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) was a towering figure in American [[History]], renowned as an abolitionist, writer, orator, and social reformer. Born into [[Slavery]] in Maryland, Douglass endured the brutal realities of enslavement before escaping in 1838 at the age of 20. His life and work profoundly shaped the movements for abolition and civil rights in the United States. Here are key highlights of his life: **Early Life and Escape from Slavery** • **Birth and Enslavement**: Douglass was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, likely in February 1818, though the exact date is unknown. He was separated from his mother at a young age and subjected to the [[violence]] and dehumanisation of [[Slavery]]. • **Learning to Read and Write**: Douglass’s enslaver’s wife, Sophia Auld, initially taught him to read before being forbidden by her husband. Douglass continued teaching himself in secret, understanding that literacy was key to freedom. • **Escape to Freedom**: In 1838, Douglass escaped by disguising himself as a sailor and using forged papers. He settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he adopted the name Douglass. **Abolitionist Work and Writing** • **Speaking and [[Activism]]**: Douglass quickly became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, known for his eloquence and powerful speeches. His firsthand accounts of [[Slavery]] challenged racist assumptions and rallied support for abolition. • **Autobiographies**: Douglass published three influential autobiographies: 1. _Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave_ (1845) 2. _My Bondage and My Freedom_ (1855) 3. _Life and Times of Frederick Douglass_ (1881, revised in 1892) These works not only exposed the horrors of [[Slavery]] but also demonstrated the intellectual and moral capacities of enslaved people, countering pro-[[Slavery]] propaganda. **Political and Social Contributions** • **Civil Rights Advocacy**: Douglass was a tireless advocate for African American rights, including voting rights, [[Education]], and equality. He also supported women’s suffrage, famously attending the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. • **Advisor to Presidents**: Douglass advised Abraham Lincoln during the Civil [[War]] and pushed for the enlistment of Black soldiers in the Union Army. Later, he worked with Andrew Johnson, though their relationship was contentious due to Johnson’s leniency toward former Confederates. • **[[Government]] Roles**: Douglass held several federal appointments, including U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and Minister Resident to Haiti. **Legacy** Douglass remains a symbol of resilience, intellectual achievement, and social justice. His insistence on the inseparability of liberty and equality continues to inspire struggles for human rights around the world. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`