Historian and author Erik Erikson writes in his book Young Man Luther that “for Luther…history was the work of the devil.” In other words Luther saw history as a tool of the devil used to keep people in ignorance and darkness. However in his essay “When the Lion Wrote History” Frederick Douglass makes the case that history can be a powerful tool for good.
Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland in 1818. He was separated from his mother at a young age and never knew his father. As a result he was illiterate until he taught himself how to read and write. In 1838 he escaped from slavery and made his way to New York City.
In 1845 Douglass published his first autobiography Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave. The book was an instant success selling 5000 copies in the first year. It was also instrumental in bringing about Douglass’ freedom as it was read by abolitionists who then helped him escape to England.
While in England Douglass continued his education and became a well-known abolitionist speaker. He also met and married his second wife Anna Murray. In 1847 Douglass returned to the United States and continued his work as an abolitionist.
In 1851 Douglass published his second autobiography My Bondage and My Freedom. This book was even more successful than the first selling 30000 copies in the first year. In 1855 Douglass published his third and final autobiography The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.
Douglass was not only an accomplished writer but also a gifted speaker. He traveled all over the country giving speeches about abolition and freedom. He also became involved in the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for equal rights for African Americans.
In 1881 Douglass was appointed by President Rutherford B. Hayes as the Marshal of the District of Columbia. He served in this position for two years. In 1886 Douglass was appointed by President Grover Cleveland as the Minister to Haiti. He served in this position for four years.
Douglass retired from public life in 1892. He built a home in Washington D.C. and named it Cedar Hill. He continued to write and speak out on issues of equality and justice until his death in 1895.
Douglass was a firm believer in the power of history. He believed that history could be used to educate and enlighten people. He also believed that history could be used to bring about social change. In his essay “When the Lion Wrote History” Douglass argues that history is a powerful tool that should be used for good.
“The history of the world is nothing but the biography of great men” Douglass writes. He goes on to say that history is “the record of what one man can do another can do.” In other words Douglass believe that history shows us what is possible.
Douglass believed that history could be used to inspire people to fight for social justice. He writes “If history teaches anything it teaches that man can change his circumstances by changing his ideas.” In other words history shows us that it is possible to change the world.
Douglass was a man ahead of his time. He understood the power of history and the potential it had for good. He was a powerful writer and speaker who used his platform to fight for equality and justice. He was a man who changed the course of history.
How many autobiographies did Frederick Douglass write?
Frederick Douglass wrote 3 autobiographies
Who helped Frederick Douglass escape from slavery?
A woman named Anna Murray helped Frederick Douglass escape from slavery
What was the name of Frederick Douglass’ first wife?
The name of Frederick Douglass’ first wife was Anna Murray
Where was Frederick Douglass born?
Frederick Douglass was born on a plantation in Talbot County Maryland
What year was Frederick Douglass’ first autobiography published?
Frederick Douglass’ first autobiography was published in 1845
What was the name of the ship that Frederick Douglass was working on when he escaped from slavery?
The name of the ship was the Cambria
What did Frederick Douglass do when he reached New York City?
Frederick Douglass immediately went to an abolitionist office and asked for help
After escaping from slavery how many years did it take Frederick Douglass to gain his freedom?
Frederick Douglass gained his freedom after 7 years
What was the name of the newspaper that Frederick Douglass started?
The name of the newspaper was The North Star
In 1857 Frederick Douglass moved to where?
In 1857 Frederick Douglass moved to Rochester New York
In 1872 Frederick Douglass was nominated for what office?
In 1872 Frederick Douglass was nominated for the office of Vice President
Frederick Douglass was the first black man to do what?
Frederick Douglass was the first black man to hold a high rank in the United States government
What did Frederick Douglass do after he retired from his government job?
After he retired Frederick Douglass lectured around the United States
In 1895 Frederick Douglass published his last autobiography.
What was the name of this autobiography?
The name of Frederick Douglass’ last autobiography was “My Bondage and My Freedom”
Frederick Douglass died in 1895.
On what day did he die?
Frederick Douglass died on February 20th 1895.
