Before the Civil War, slavery was legal in the United States. A slave was a person who was owned by someone else. Slaves could be bought and sold like property. Slaves were forced to work against their will. In the United States, many people in slavery were African-Americans.
In 1777, the Vermont Constitution outlawed adult slavery. But slavery was still allowed in other parts of the United States. Abolitionists thought that slavery should be ended in all states. They tried to convince the government to outlaw slavery in the United States.
Abolitionists printed a booklet called the Anti-Slavery Almanac in 1840. The abolitionists used words and pictures to describe slavery.
Look at this picture from the Anti-Slavery Almanac. Think about these three questions.
1. What is happening in this picture?
2. What message is this picture sending about slavery?
3. How would a picture like this convince people that slavery is wrong?
Think about an issue that is important to you. Draw a picture to persuade other people to agree with you.
Learn More
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The Road to Freedom: The Underground Railroad in Vermont (PDF) |
Activity developed by Sarah Budlong, Cooperstown Graduate Program.
