Frederick Douglass Study Guide
Kli L.
Early Life
● Frederick Douglass was born in February 1818 in Talbot County,
Maryland.
● He was born into slavery. His mother was enslaved, and his father
was likely his white enslaver.
● As a child, he endured harsh conditions, separation from his
family, and constant mistreatment.
Learning to Read and Write
● Despite laws and dangers against educating enslaved people,
Douglass secretly learned to read and write.
● The wife of one of his enslavers first taught him the alphabet, and
he later taught himself by trading food for lessons with poor white
children.
● Literacy became his pathway to freedom, as he realized knowledge
was power.
Escape from Slavery
● In 1838, at age 20, Douglass escaped slavery by disguising himself
as a sailor and traveling north.
● He settled in Massachusetts and took the last name “Douglass.”
Abolitionist Work
● Douglass became a powerful orator, writer, and activist in the
abolitionist movement.
● His speeches described the brutal realities of slavery, impressing
audiences with both his intelligence and his courage.
● He worked closely with other abolitionists, including William Lloyd
Garrison.
Writings
● Douglass published several autobiographies, the most famous
being “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American
Slave” (1845).
● His works exposed the cruelty of slavery and argued for freedom
and equality.
Role in the Civil War
● During the Civil War, Douglass met with President Abraham
Lincoln to advocate for equal treatment of Black soldiers.
● He also pushed for the abolition of slavery as a central war aim.
Later Life and Legacy
● After the war, Douglass continued to fight for civil rights,
including voting rights for African Americans and women’s rights.
● He held several government positions, including U.S. Marshal and
Minister to Haiti.
● Douglass died on February 20, 1895, in Washington, D.C.
Key Achievements
● Escaped slavery and became one of the most important voices of
freedom in American history.
● Published influential books that helped turn public opinion against
slavery.
● Advocated for justice, equality, and human rights throughout his
life.
