On July 5, 1852, former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass delivered what was to become one of the most historic speeches of the 19th century at an Independence Day commemoration sponsored by the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society in Rochester, NY.
In this module, students will perform a close-read of Douglass' 1852 oration. Students will focus on the themes raised by Douglass in regards to a nation who allowed slavery while celebrating the ideals of liberty and freedom. Students will address Douglass’ thematic question, “What is the Fourth of July to a Slave?,” by contrasting the 4th’s implications regarding the speeches’ various audiences.
Before beginning the module, students should have an understanding of the sectional conflicts and tensions of the period (1850s); as well as a biographical sketch of Frederick Douglas.
This module is designed for a deep dive into a key speech by a famed American orator on a truly central issue. It is organized to take roughly five hours or six fifty-minute periods. It was created as part of the Summer 2013 Social Studies Design Jam and is shared with special thanks to the Kentucky Education Association for the use of their Lexington facilities.
