Famous African Americans - Frederick Douglass

Famous African Americans - Frederick Douglass Reading comp quiz week 9 AP

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By Khadia Bradshaw

Frederick Douglass was one of the most famous African American abolitionists. That means he worked to abolish slavery. He was the leading African American speaker of the 1800s. He also met with President Abraham Lincoln in the White House during the Civil War.

Douglass was a former slave from Maryland. His freedom was not easily obtained. As a child, his master’s wife taught him how to read and write. After that, he knew he wanted to be free. He escaped to New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The first time he spoke was at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. Douglass simply told the audience what freedom meant to him. Everyone was very impressed by his speech. So the society sent him on the road to lecture about life as a slave.​

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​Douglass published his autobiography in 1845. After that he fled to England. He wanted to avoid being recognized as a runaway slave in the United States. Runaway slaves could be arrested. While in England, Douglass continued to speak against slavery. Through the help of his friends, he was able to buy his freedom.

Two years later, Douglass returned to the United States. He created an anti-slavery newspaper. He also aided the Underground Railroad. Eventually, he became an unofficial advisor to Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.

Multiple Choice

According to the passage, how did Frederick Douglass get his freedom?

• He bought his freedom.

• He moved to Massachusetts

• Lincoln gave him special freedom.

Multiple Choice

What information does the author provide about Douglass’ life as a child?

• Douglass was a slave but he was taught to read and write.

• Douglass was raised in Massachusetts but was forced to leave

• Douglass grew up in the North during the Civil War.

Multiple Choice

Which of these statements supports the idea that Douglass was an important figure in the Civil War?

• He served as an advisor to President Lincoln.

• He published an autobiography in 1845

• He purchased his freedom with the help of friends

Multiple Choice

This passage is mainly about

• Frederick Douglass’ life as an abolitionist.

• how Frederick Douglass escaped from to Massachusetts.

• advice that Frederick Douglass gave to Abraham Lincoln