Holy Warriors: The Abolitionists and American Slavery Essay Sample
Holy Warriors: The Abolitionists and American Slavery Essay Sample

Holy Warriors: The Abolitionists and American Slavery Essay Sample

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  • Pages: 2 (546 words)
  • Published: August 17, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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According to James Brewer Stewart, the campaign against bondage in New England was initiated by the societal changes and revivalism of the 1820s. In the 18th century, abolitionism benefitted greatly from the impact of revivalism, which had a significant influence on Protestants as they faced new challenges. Thus, the immediate emancipation campaign of abolitionists took shape during this time.

Throughout the Great Revivals, individuals envisioned a magnificent era of a society free from spirits, prostitution, and lack of religious belief.

The ministry was significantly affected by the revivalism movement and its connections to political affairs. This impact was crucial to the abolitionist cause, which had become a profession and drew in many young people eager to fight against slavery. According to reports, abolitionism was largely a youth rebellion sparked by older New England families. The parents of these emancipationists were typically educated and heavily inv

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olved in revivalist and charitable activities.

During the early years, abolitionists displayed traits such as being highly individualistic and having a fervent interest in moral concerns. They typically sought favor from determined parents whose religious convictions held significant influence over their families.

The potent combination of Yankee conservatism, revivalist benevolence, and a New England upbringing inspires confidence and a commitment to improving the world.

Immature evangelicals were being led towards an extremist viewpoint that formed a hawkish emancipationist movement as societal agitation grew. Resistance to slavery was seen as a powerful affirmation of one’s commitment to Christian identity. After the Nat Turner rebellion in Virginia, the focus on slavery intensified and a sense of crisis emerged.

Evangelicals overcame their hesitation and became committed to eradicating the sin of slavery when they witnessed unsettling events. Na

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Turner, the "Nullifiers," and David Walker's actions all pointed towards the conclusion that slavery was responsible for the society's deteriorated state.

The abrupt adoption of instant abolition may have been a tactical innovation born out of the shortcomings of gradualism. The emancipationists freed themselves from the grip of gradualism and ultimately overcame their emotions of self-centeredness, inadequacy, and alienation. They aligned themselves with God in the struggle against the egotism of slave-owning.

The concept of "immediate emancipation" referred to a province of mind in which God was dominant and bondage was fought against. Abolitionists believed that their cause was about creating a society based on Christian brotherhood. Although they aimed to achieve emancipation gradually, it had to start immediately. The primary opposition to the emancipationist movement came from the political sphere. Many Americans feared that instant emancipation would suddenly create a large population of inferior black people. Jackson's Democratic Party was specifically created to support the interests of plantation owners.

Jacksonian politics quickly became associated with racism and opposition to the abolition movement, presenting significant obstacles for emancipationists seeking to end slavery peacefully or through force. Given the societal limitations of Jacksonian America, modern approaches to tackling the issue of bondage seemed implausible. Consequently, the goals of immediatist abolitionists were strikingly ambitious - eliminate centuries of American racism and transform expensive slave property into full-fledged black citizens.

Despite their belief in the safety of immediately abolishing the slave system, abolitionists did not act like Rebels when launching their campaign. Emancipationists aimed to encourage all American citizens to take responsibility for the cruelty of slavery.

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