Abolitionism
HarpWeek: American Political Prints 1766-1876
Description: Another political cartoon from Harper's Weekly, this document makes an emotional plea for the abolition of slavery. Under
the banner "Am I Not A Man and A Brother?" the image is accompanied by a John Greenleaf Whittier poem entitled "Our Countrymen
in Chains."
Teaching Tips:"Do Now" Suggestions
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Show the image without any explanation and have students write down their initial reactions, and share them with the class.
Discuss the use of propaganda and the creation of political parties.
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Have students define the term abolition as a group to provide a working definition to use in future lessons.
Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson
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The image was originally used as the seal for the Society for the Abolition of Slavery in England. Use the poem and the design
as a starting point for the study of slavery around the world. Divide the class into groups and have them research using
the internet and library the history of slavery in different countries, and then complete a Venn diagram comparing that country
to America.
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Reflect on other political parties of the time, and read the political platform of the Abolitionist Party and review the location
of abolitionists through reviewing a map of abolition events.
