Introduction
The Abolitionist movement in the United States of America was an effort to end slavery in a nation that valued personal freedom and believed “all men are created equal.” Over time, abolitionists grew more strident in their demands, and slave owners entrenched in response, fueling regional divisiveness that ultimately led to the American Civil War.
Focus Question: What was the abolitionist movement, What strategies did nineteenth century abolitionists use to attack slavery?
Task
Watch these three edpuzzle videos and answer the questions I have put in the videos to have a better look on your understanding of the topic.
Who is William Lloyd Garrison?: https://edpuzzle.com/assignments/615e571e1001894174996d8c/watch
Who is Harriet Tubman?: https://edpuzzle.com/assignments/615e577766b1b541c8e721c6/watch
Who is Angelina Grimke? :https://edpuzzle.com/assignments/615e5819c7d60c419e77c0cb/watch
Process
Use the videos you watched on Edpuzzle and imagine yourself being an abolitionist during this time period. You are in a convention meeting and you have to figure out the best way to portray your ideas about slavery.
I created a role play in which every student in class portrayed an important abolitionist in this era. The class would encounter some of the difficult strategic choices that confronted the actual organization throughout its history. I’d be present as teacher to observe and take notes, but I would play no role in their deliberations.
…I will separate the students into five groups and distribute a handout with five strategic dilemmas randomly that faced the abolitionists at different points from its founding in 1833 until 1858:
• Should you support “colonization” schemes to send people freed from slavery to Africa?
• Should you spend time and money opposing racial discrimination in the North as well as attempting to end slavery in the South?
• Should you support efforts to gain greater equality for women?
• Should you support armed attempts to resist enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act?
• Should you support John Brown either with guns or money?
Evaluation
This is how your responses to your dilemma will be graded:
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1 |
2
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3 |
4 |
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Demonstrate an adequate (to poor) understanding of the subject and assigned videos. |
Demonstrate an adequate understanding of the subject and assigned videos. |
Demonstrate a good understanding of the subject and assigned videos. |
Demonstrate an excellent understanding of the subject and assigned videos. |
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Provide only general observations of the evidence |
Have clear analysis, but lack insight and depth |
Use well-chosen evidence that includes some details, examples, and points of arguments. |
Use well-chosen evidence that includes details, examples, and points of arguments. |
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Rarely refer to specific authors and sources |
Occasionally refer to specific authors and sources |
Refers to specific authors and sources once or twice |
Consistently refer to specific authors and sources |
Conclusion
Congratulations, You have all finished and all learned the importance of the abolitionist movement and it’s continuing impact on history. Also, you all worked together in order to make an informed decision, respect other ideas, and look at problems from all sides.