Abolition
The act of putting an end to slavery by law
Real World Example
Abolition was crucial during the period of A New Nation Growing because it aimed to end slavery, a deeply divisive issue in the United States. The movement highlighted tensions between the Northern states, which were becoming more industrial and anti-slavery, and the Southern states, which relied on slave labor for their agricultural economy. These tensions eventually contributed to the Civil War, a pivotal conflict that shaped the nation's future. Today, the ideas of equality and human rights championed by abolitionists influence movements against racism and discrimination. For an average person, this means living in a society where equal rights are valued, impacting things like education, employment, and community interactions.