Abolitionist Movement

Definition

The Abolitionist Movement was a social and political push for immediate emancipation of all slaves and end racial discrimination and segregation in mid-19th century America.

Related terms

Underground Railroad: A network of secret routes used by enslaved African Americans to escape into free states or Canada with assistance from abolitionists.

Harriet Tubman: An American abolitionist known for her role as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad helping slaves escape from bondage.

Emancipation Proclamation: An executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 that declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.