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 in Maryland.
- His exact birth date is unknown; he chose to celebrate it on February 14th.
- Largely self-educated; taught himself to read and write.
- Escaped slavery in 1838 and fled to New York.
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.
- Founded the abolitionist newspaper The North Star in 1847.
- Served as an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
- Recruited African American soldiers for the Union Army.
- Held several government positions after the Civil War, including U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and Minister Resident and Consul General to Haiti.
- A significant figure to study when considering topics for 'frederick douglass biography essay prompts'.
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)
Legacy and Impact
Frederick Douglass was a leading voice in the abolitionist movement and a tireless advocate for civil rights and equality. His writings and speeches continue to inspire generations to fight for social justice.