William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879) was a prominent American abolitionist, journalist, and social reformer. He is best known for his staunch anti-slavery stance and the establishment of the influential anti-slavery newspaper, “The Liberator.”
Table of Contents
Early Life
Born on December 10, 1805, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Garrison grew up in a devout Baptist household. Despite facing financial hardships and receiving only minimal formal education, Garrison developed a passion for reading and writing at an early age.
Journalism and Early Activism
Garrison’s career in journalism began when he started writing for and eventually co-editing the Newburyport Herald. He became actively involved in the fight against slavery after reading an article by abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier, which deeply moved him. By the 1820s, Garrison had fully embraced the abolitionist cause.
William Lloyd Garrison was a prolific writer and editor, primarily known for his contributions to the abolitionist cause. While providing an exhaustive list of every article or editorial he wrote would be a monumental task, below is a list of his most significant works and writings:
The Liberator
In 1831, Garrison co-founded “The Liberator,” an anti-slavery newspaper that was instrumental in driving the abolitionist movement in the United States. The paper’s motto, “Our country is the world—our countrymen are mankind,” encapsulated its commitment to universal emancipation. Through “The Liberator,” Garrison championed the immediate emancipation of all slaves without compensation to their owners.
Thoughts on African Colonization
Published in 1832, this is one of Garrison’s major standalone works. In it, he critiqued the American Colonization Society’s efforts to send free Black Americans to Liberia. Garrison argued that Black Americans should be allowed to live freely in the United States and that colonization was just another form of racism.
Address to the Colonization Society
In this 1829 piece, Garrison lambasted the American Colonization Society’s motivations and actions, arguing that their goals were not truly in the best interests of Black Americans.
Declaration of Sentiments
Garrison was involved in the drafting of this 1833 document, which was the founding declaration of the American Anti-Slavery Society. The document argued for the immediate emancipation of all slaves.
Truisms
In 1830, Garrison published this series of anti-slavery affirmations.
Sonnet to Liberty
A piece reflecting Garrison’s poetic leanings, this work underscores his undying commitment to the cause of freedom.
To the Public
In the inaugural issue of “The Liberator,” Garrison penned this powerful introductory piece where he stated his unwavering commitment to ending slavery and famously declared, “I am in earnest — I will not equivocate — I will not excuse — I will not retreat a single inch — AND I WILL BE HEARD.”
An Address Delivered Before the Free People of Color in Philadelphia, New York, and Other Cities
In this 1831 address, Garrison discussed the plight of free Black Americans and the broader issues of racism and discrimination.
Selections from the Writings and Speeches of William Lloyd Garrison
Published posthumously in 1852, this collection encompasses some of Garrison’s most notable writings and speeches, giving readers insights into his thoughts on various subjects.
Throughout his career, Garrison also wrote numerous letters, editorials, and short articles, many of which were published in various newspapers and journals of his time. His contributions have been gathered in various anthologies and collections focused on the abolitionist movement and 19th-century American reform movements.
Controversies and Challenges
Garrison’s radical stance often attracted controversy. He publicly burned a copy of the U.S. Constitution, denouncing it as a pro-slavery document. His views often led to threats and violent reactions, including instances where he narrowly escaped lynching.
American Anti-Slavery Society
In 1833, Garrison founded the American Anti-Slavery Society. The organization grew rapidly, boasting over 250,000 members by the 1840s. However, internal conflicts over strategies and roles of women in the organization led to its fragmentation in 1840.
Later Life and Legacy
After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, Garrison continued his activism, focusing on issues like women’s suffrage, temperance, and civil rights. He passed away on May 24, 1879. Today, Garrison is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the American abolitionist movement. His unwavering commitment to the cause and his willingness to challenge societal norms had a profound impact on the course of American history.