Unit 3: The Secret Raod to Freedom (1èreG_gr2)

They Lived to Tell the Tale

Text A

The document under study is an autobiography

Of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845. In this

Extract, he mentions a childhood episode telling about the fact that contrary to white children who knew their age, black slaves did not have that privilege. In fact, questions were frowned upon by the masters to let slaves in their ignorance. Indeed, slaves were reduced to being mere properties and treated like horses. It was a dehumanizing process.  

 

Text B

The document under study is an extract of a speech pronounced by Frederick Douglass on July 4^th 1852. In this extract, he was explaining what the 4^th of July meant to American slaves. Indeed, according to him, this celebration is a shame because slavery that was taking place in the USA at the time contradicted the values of the Declaration of Independence. Douglass was the denouncing the hypocrisy of this celebration.

 

Text C

The document under study is an extract of a speech pronounced by Harriet Tubman in 1859 during a convention that stipulated the end of slavery should be done by sending black slaves back to Africa. However, Tubman and other abolitionists were against this idea. In fact, even though blacks were forced to be sent to America for slavery, they were then rooted there. America was the place they belonged to, no one should have the right to send them away.  

 (We will continue the study of the texts tomorrow. Be ready!)

 Homework: Learn the lesson.