Frederick Douglass
- Born:
- February 1818 (exact date unknown), Talbot County, Maryland, USA
- Died:
- February 20, 1895, Washington, D.C., USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Abolitionist, Orator, Writer, Statesman, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born into slavery as Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey.
- Educated himself, learning to read and write in secret.
- Escaped slavery in 1838 and fled to New York.
- Changed his name to Frederick Douglass to avoid recapture.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a prominent abolitionist speaker and writer.
- Published his first autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, in 1845.
- Traveled to Europe to garner support for the abolitionist movement.
- Published and edited several abolitionist newspapers, including The North Star and Frederick Douglass' Paper.
- Served as a consultant to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
- Advocated for the rights of African Americans and women after the Civil War.
- Held several government positions, including U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and Minister Resident and Consul General to Haiti.
Notable Works
- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845)
- My Bondage and My Freedom (1855)
- Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (1881, revised 1892)
- Editor of The North Star (1847-1851)
- Editor of Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851-1860)
Legacy and Impact
Frederick Douglass remains a towering figure in American history. His powerful oratory, insightful writings, and tireless advocacy for equality made him one of the most influential voices of the 19th century. His life story, as documented in resources similar to a hypothetical 'frederick douglass biography summary form,' continues to inspire generations to fight for justice and freedom.