Which group in nineteenth-century America would likely be the most receptive audience for "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"
A. clergy
B. dock workers
C. slavers
D. abolitionists
Answer (2)
The chosen option is D. abolitionists, as they were active in opposing slavery and would resonate strongly with Douglass's message. Other groups, like clergy, dock workers, and slavers, would have varied responses to the speech. Abolitionists were aligned with Douglass's views on freedom and justice, making them the most receptive audience.
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The question refers to Frederick Douglass's famous speech, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?," delivered on July 5, 1852. In this speech, Douglass, an escaped slave and prominent abolitionist, criticized the celebration of independence in a country where slavery was still practiced.
To answer the question about which group in nineteenth-century America would likely be the most receptive audience for Douglass's speech, we consider the options:
Clergy : While some members of the clergy were supporters of abolition, others were not. Therefore, they would not uniformly be the most receptive audience.
Dock workers : This group was often concerned with labor rights and personal livelihood. Dock workers may be sympathetic to the issues raised but they were not specifically focused on abolition.
Slaveholders : Slaveholders would likely be the least receptive audience, as Douglass's speech calls for the end of slavery, which threatened their economic interests and societal norms.
Abolitionists : Abolitionists actively campaigned for the end of slavery and would have been most enthusiastic and supportive of Douglass's message, aligning directly with their cause.
Given this analysis, the group most likely to be receptive to Douglass's message would be abolitionists . They shared his views on the immorality of slavery and were strong advocates for the freedom and rights of enslaved people in America. Thus, the chosen multiple choice option is abolitionists .
