- Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on December 10, 1805.
- Son of a merchant and a descendant of early Puritan settlers.
- Received limited formal education, but became an avid reader and self-taught.
2. Founding of The Liberator:
- In 1831, at the age of 25, Garrison founded The Liberator, an antislavery newspaper in Boston.
- The Liberator became a powerful voice for the abolitionist movement, advocating for the immediate and unconditional emancipation of enslaved people.
3. Radical Abolitionism:
- Garrison was a leading figure in the radical wing of the abolitionist movement.
- He believed that slavery was a sin and that the Constitution itself was proslavery, rejecting gradualism and political compromise.
- He advocated for nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and direct action to confront and disrupt the system of slavery.
4. American Anti-Slavery Society:
- In 1833, Garrison co-founded the American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) with other prominent abolitionists.
- The AASS became the leading organization for the abolition of slavery in the United States.
5. Confronting Racism:
- Garrison not only condemned slavery but also challenged broader societal racism.
- He spoke out against racial discrimination, segregation, and disenfranchisement.
6. Imprisonment and Trial:
- In 1832, Garrison was arrested and briefly imprisoned for his harsh criticism of the pro-slavery senator from Massachusetts, George McDuffie.
- This event brought national attention to the abolitionist movement.
7. Influencing Public Opinion:
- Garrison's passion, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to abolitionism helped shift public opinion against slavery.
- His fiery editorials and lectures played a crucial role in mobilizing and educating Americans about the evils of slavery.
8. Controversies and Divisions:
- Garrison's radical approach and criticism of both major political parties drew criticism and created divisions within the antislavery movement.
- He opposed alliances with political parties, believing that they were complicit in perpetuating slavery.
9. Post-Civil War Activism:
- After the abolition of slavery, Garrison remained active in social justice causes, advocating for women's suffrage and civil rights for African Americans.
10. Uncompromising Advocacy:
- Garrison's life and work exemplified the power of moral conviction, unwavering dedication to a cause, and the capacity of individuals to bring about transformative social change.