Discuss Douglass' political importance in American History.

Douglass' political impact on American History can be seen
in a couple of ways.  The most evident is his abolitionist stance.  Douglass was fervent
in his belief that slavery had to be abolished and worked tirelessly on political and
social levels to make this a reality.  Douglass' political stance on the issue was
vitally important in helping to mold the hearts and minds of many Americans towards a
nation that abolished slavery.  In speeches such as "What to the slave is the 4th of
July?" and the evolution of his own abolitionist newspaper and writings, Douglass was
able to cast a political rationale behind why slavery had to be eliminated in American
Society.  Another way in which Douglass' political power is evident would be in his
support of women's suffrage.  Douglass was radical for his time period in arguing that
there had to be solidarity amongst those whose voices were silenced in order to fully
embrace the promises and possibilities in America.  Finally, Douglass' political support
of Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation was vitally important for Union success in
the Civil War.