William Lloyd Garrison - Success and Leadership
William Lloyd Garrison (1805-79)
American abolitionist (i.e. a fighter for the abolition of slavery) - pictured right .
He was also a strong supporter of votes for women.
For more detail see...
The Battle of
Gettysburg in the History Highlights section.
Why was he a great leader and successful?
1. The Liberator
This was the abolitionist journal (pictured right) he founded in 1831 which was very influential in the
fight against slavery.
Its motto was:
“Our country is the world, our countrymen are all mankind”.
Garrison also co-founded the American Anti-Slavery Society.
2. Principles
Inspired by his strong Christian beliefs, he believed that slavery was an evil that had to
be abolished without compromise (pictured right is a slave scarred by whipping in 1863) .
So in 1843 he supported the splitting of the North and pro-slavery South, because:
- any union between them was “an agreement with hell”
- right and wrong must be based on conscience not popular opinion.
“Better to be always in a minority of one with God, in defence of the right”, he said.
3. “Man above all institutions!”
This famous remark in a speech of 1854 shows his vehement belief in putting first the needs and rights of people
whatever their colour or sex (see point 4).
Conscience, reality and justice are more important than the law.
“That which is not just is not law”, he said.
4. Fighter for women’s rights
After Abraham Lincoln (pictured right above)
abolished slavery in 1863, Garrison supported suffragettes like Lucy Stone (pictured right) in their fight for the
vote and equal rights for women.
5. Courage and determination
He faced strong opposition to his anti-slavery views.
In 1835 he was nearly lynched and killed by a mob in Boston.
But he was helped by great support from his loving wife, Helen (pictured
right).
6. Global citizen
He believed that:
- the needs of the whole human race are more important than purely national
interests
- patriotism must not support revenge against other countries.
Key quote on
society
Man above all institutions!
Key quotes on God and
ethics
Better to be always in a minority of one with God, in defence of the right.
The success of any great moral enterprise does not depend upon numbers.
We may be personally defeated but our principles never.
Key quote on law
That which is not just is not law.
Key quote on
communication
I will not retreat a single inch – and I will be heard!
Key quote on
globalization
Our country is the world, our countrymen are all mankind.
Key quote on
freedom
Liberty for each, for all, and forever!
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