The Liberator (jan 1, 1831 – dec 29, 1865)

Description:

The first edition of the American abolitionist newspaper "The Liberator" was written by William Lloyd Garrison and published on January 1. Though the paper did not sell incredibly well, it was still known by many due to Garrison's harsh, uncompromising attitude towards slavery. He advocated for its immediate abolition, asserting that the rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence ought to apply to any American, regardless of race. This view was quite uncommon at the time, even in the North. Many Northerners were still opposed to abolition, and the ones who weren't generally wanted gradual emancipation. Thus, Garrison was seen as a troublesome radical. However, many Southerners believed Garrison's opinion to be that of the majority of Northerners, and consequently defended slavery more valiantly as a "positive good" and passed harsher slave laws in response. The paper continued until December 29, 1865, after slavery had been abolished in the US, meaning Garrison's goal had been accomplished.