This week we return to the difficult and shameful topic of plantation slavery, but now the focus begins to shift to the Abolitionist movement, and the efforts of the heroic people who helped runaway slaves and worked to abolish the institution of slavery in the US. Though we have tried to avoid highly disturbing videos and sites, there is always the chance that something pertaining to this subject may be distressing, so please preview for your kids. If you have older children and want to explore the harsh reality of this topic further, there are many resources online.
Resource Links:
The Crowning of King Cotton | A brief article about how cotton became king and the impacts of its rule.
King Cotton: White Gold | This is a kid-friendly article and contains some images of the cotton gin and more.
Slavery and King Cotton | A longer article about slavery and King Cotton.
Timeline of the Abolitionist Movement | An easy-to-read pdf of the timeline of the Abolitionist movement.
Early Abolition | A short Khan Academy lesson.
Frederick Douglass | A History.com article all about Frederick Douglass.
Frederick Douglass: Junior Ranger Activity Book | A free printout from the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. This booklet has activities for young kids to do to help them engage with the history of Frederick Douglass.
The Liberator | An article all about the abolitionist newspaper by William Llyod Garrison.
Primary Sources: Slavery and Abolition – William Llyod Garrison | If you enjoy reading primary source documents, this website gives you access to several free e-books of William Llyod Garrison’s writings.
Video Links:
*Parents, please preview for your students first.
U.S. History: King Cotton | A Course Hero video all about King Cotton and the impact of the Cotton Gin.
The Cotton Economy and Slavery | This is a 3-minute segment from a longer PBS documentary called The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross.
U.S. History: Abolitionist Movement | Another Course Hero video explaining the Abolitionist Movement and how it grew in the north.
Frederick Douglas for Kids | A short kid-friendly video introducing this important abolitionist.
American Experience: The Abolitionists | This is a dramatic retelling of Frederick Douglass’s escape and rise as an abolitionist. It may be intense for younger grades. (Recommended for LMS and up.)
Slavery | Crash Course U.S. History tackles the difficult topic of slavery. (Recommended for LMS and up)
