The Early Abolitionist Movement in America

The early abolitionist movement began to coalesce in the 1830’s, most notably in Boston. William Lloyd Garrison (pictured below) was one of the most prominent abolitionists. Garrison was the editor of the Liberator, a weekly publication that spearheaded the movement. Massachusetts (and the New England area in general) was essentially the cradle of the American abolitionist movement as many of the most prominent figures in the movement all lived in that area of the U.S.

 William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879)

The Liberator Newspaper

One pivotal event that effectively galvanized the abolitionist movement during the late 1830’s was the death of Elijah P. Lovejoy (pictured, left) in Alton, IL. Lovejoy was a minister and prominent abolitionist who published the Alton Observer. Lovejoy is believed to be the first white man killed over the issue of slavery, and may be considered to be the first “true” casualty of the Civil War (which was to come 24 years later). 

 

Elijah P. Lovejoy (1802-1837)

 

 A Depiction of the Alton Riot on November 7, 1837

The Alton Observer