Exploring the Hypocrisy of American Slavery with Frederick Douglass "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"
Exploring the Hypocrisy of American Slavery with Frederick Douglass "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"
On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass, former slave and abolitionist, delivered a groundbreaking speech in Rochester, NY, entitled "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" In this lesson, students will read and discuss an excerpt of Douglass' July 5th oration, examining the contradictions and hypocrisies he raised regarding a nation who owned slaves while celebrating the ideals of liberty and equal rights. Students will apply their understanding of the speech and its themes by planning their own modern day Fourth of July celebration for the White House.
To access the accompanying PPT, click here.
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Essential Questions:
Who was Frederick Douglass and in what ways did he contribute to the abolitionist movement?
What as the purpose of Douglass’ speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
What examples of American contradictions and hypocrisy does Frederick Douglass point out in the speech?
What techniques does Douglass employ to highlight the barbarity of slavery to his audience?
How can America celebrate the Fourth of July today while also being accountable to our nation’s full history?