Question

Why did Frederick Douglass believe that black suffrage was an immediate necessity ?

Answer 1

Frederick Douglass was an anti-slavery activist, writer, and social activist. He fought for black men's rights and universal suffrage. During reconstruction, Douglass offered his support to universal suffrage but reiterated his strong backing for suffrage for black men. He believed that black men's rights are of urgent need, which will provide equal rights to black people and uplift their economic and political status. He was a strong republican, who believed that black men's suffrage is an integral and necessary step to enhance its constituency in the south.

He believed that black men's suffrage is a necessary and immediate step towards black liberation, which would make political systems more responsive to black issues. His views conflicted with other social activities Stanton and Anthony who advocated for women suffrage and women's rights. He believed that the antiracist components of his human rights and liberal society philosophy is more important and needs urgent response compared to antisexist components.