Final answer:
Abolitionism, or opposition to slavery, was a major issue in the United States. Different groups opposed slavery through moral objections and human rights activism, as well as civil unrest and political upheaval.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abolitionism and Opposition to Slavery in the United States
Abolitionism, or opposition to slavery, was a major issue in the United States for various reasons. Two examples of ways in which different groups of Americans opposed slavery include:
- Moral objections and human rights activism: Abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison advocated for the immediate and complete abolition of slavery, viewing it as a violation of human rights. They argued for racial equality and envisioned a society where Black and White people stood on equal footing.
- Civil unrest and political upheaval: Slave rebellions and uprisings were rooted in the exploitative conditions of the Southern slave system. These acts of resistance sought to bring an end to the institution of slavery through violent overthrow. While some Northerners sympathized with these efforts, they also caused anxiety and fear among the general population.