Final answer:
The abolition movement sought moral reformation by using a strategy called moral suasion, which involved using moral arguments and persuasive efforts to end slavery, inspired by religious revivalism. Abolitionist leaders like William Lloyd Garrison publicized the moral wrongs of slavery, with the broader goal of creating an equitable society and a national conscience against slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The abolition movement advocated for moral reformation through a strategy known as moral suasion. This approach stemmed from the intense religious fervor sparked by the Second Great Awakening, which inspired abolitionists to view slavery as a sin that the nation must repent for and eliminate. Abolitionists used moral arguments to highlight the immorality of slavery, spreading narratives of its atrocities, and sought to transform the national conscience. They aimed to create a society characterized by equality and to bring about a mass awakening to end slavery, challenging the South's peculiar institution.
Antislavery leaders like William Lloyd Garrison published materials such as The Liberator to disseminate their message. Abolitionists also established antislavery societies and connected with black activists to work toward their goals. As they confronted ongoing resistance, their tactics evolved from purely reform-minded strategies to include resistance measures, such as aiding runaway slaves and establishing international antislavery networks.