What was a key demand of the abolitionist movement?

The abolitionist movement primarily focused on the immediate emancipation of enslaved individuals, advocating for the end of slavery without delay. This demand stemmed from a moral imperative to recognize the humanity and rights of enslaved people, emphasizing that slavery was a grave injustice that needed to be addressed urgently. Abolitionists believed that the institution of slavery was fundamentally wrong and sought to dismantle it through active campaigns, public speeches, and political pressure. They sought not just gradual emancipation or compensation for slave owners, but an immediate end to the inhumane practice.

While complete equality for all races was a belief held by some within the movement, the primary, rallying cry was to achieve immediate freedom for all enslaved individuals. The other options, such as women's voting rights and labor law reform, although they may intersect with the broader social justice movements of the time, were not the primary focus of the abolitionist movement. These issues became more pronounced and organized in later waves of social activism.