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 * Wendell Phillips

Born: November 1811 Died: February 1884

Phillips’ Criticism of America and His Goals** Wendell Phillips’ criticism of the United States was that slavery was allowed in the South. He denounced the Constitution because it upheld slavery. In fact, he dropped his profession of being a lawyer because he did not want to defend the Constitution because it made "a covenant with death and an agreement with hell." He went to the extreme of saying the South should be expelled from the Union until slavery is abolished. Phillips first saw William Lloyd Garrison speak about anti-slavery in Boston. Garrison was attacked and nearly lynched because people apposed people speaking out against slavery’s authority. Phillips was so disgusted that he joined the movement with Garrison.

Phillips’ main method was public speaking. He was a natural orator and one of the best in the world. His speeches were poised, passionate, fiery, controlled and rhetorically complex. People who listened to him speak, that was totally against abolition, stood and cheered after his speech. He was recognized as the voice of the anti-slavery movement. He also wrote in pamphlets and The Liberator, Garrison’s newspaper. He also associated himself with many like-minded reformers such as the “Boston Clique," a small group in Boston that were against slavery, and the American Anti-Slavery Society. Phillips also helped financially.
 * Phillips’ Methods**

Phillips had much success in his movement. He ultimately got what he wanted, a slave free America. Phillip had amazing speaking skills for his time. He reached out to people who were pro-slavery and got his points and views across. His publications reached the general public. Phillips spread his ideas throughout the nation and helped spread the movement.
 * Phillips’ Success**

The way Phillips approached this movement was very well done. He figured out how to reach the wide population. There was no television or radio so the only way to spread ideas is through public speaking, pamphlets and newspapers, which were all methods of Phillips. His tactics were very practical.
 * Phillips’ Intent of Practicability**

The Federal Government could help to a great extent. The Federal Government could outlaw slavery. That would answer all of Phillips requests but anger every southern that owns slaves. The government could pass a bill that slowly freed the slaves but that would also cause uproar in the south. President Abraham Lincoln did free the slaves after the Civil War with the Emancipation Proclamation.
 * How the Federal Government Could Help**

William Lloyd Garrison: Phillips entered the anti-slavery movement because of Garrison. Garrison inspired Phillips when he spoke in Boston. They were good friends and worked together very closely. Also, Phillips published writings in Garrison’s newspaper.
 * References**

Elijah Lovejoy: Although the two never met Lovejoy had an impact on Phillips. Lovejoy was killed in Illinois after he spoke of abolition. This was about the time Phillips met Garrison. Phillips first anti-slavery speech had strong emphasis on the murder of Lovejoy. They shared many of the same values.

Works Cited Reuben, Paul P. "Wendell Phillips." Perspectives in American Literature. Web. 6 Oct. 2009. . "Wendell Phillips." All Biographies. Web. 6 Oct. 2009. . "Wendell Phillips Biography." Book Rags. Web. 6 Oct. 2009. .