Frederick Douglass utilized his speaking ability, intelligence and every ounce of energy he had into fighting for human equality. Frederick Douglass began his life as a common slave but proved to be a phenomenon by breaking free of all boundaries placed upon him. Douglass began voicing his abolitionist views through his public speeches and eventually created his own newspaper. Douglass was played significant role in the civil war by convincing Lincoln that the main focus of the war should be the abolishment of slavery and influenced a large amount of blacks to fight for the Union. His achievements in government had cleared a path for other African Americans to follow. He fought hard to pass amendments that would help bring equality to black civil rights and strongly participated in woman's rights. Frederick Douglass was a key figure in the abolitionist movement and equality of human rights.
In February of 1818 Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Talbot County Maryland. Like most slaves of the day, Frederick Douglass did not have close ties to his family. Although he would not hold the same destiny of his fellow slaves, at a young age he was noticeably different. Frederick had a certain charm and was able to effectively articulate himself. At age thirteen Douglass bought his first book, The Columbian Orator, consisting of various essays and speeches having to do with democracy and liberty. Douglass saw reading and knowledge as a path to freedom; it opened his mind and made him question the slave system. His new gained knowledge and rebellious nature led him to resist his slave master and even attempt escape. His first escape attempt was a failure and led to a jail sentence. In 1838 Douglass tried again and successfully escaped to New York City posing as a black sailor, he explained, "A new world had opened upon me"1. Fredrick could then continue to fight for black freedom and civil rights.