What was the main focus of the abolition movement in the United States?

The abolition movement in the United States primarily aimed to end slavery and promote equality for African Americans. Emerging in the early 19th century, this movement focused on the moral and ethical implications of slavery, advocating for the rights of enslaved individuals and seeking to abolish the institution altogether. Activists, including prominent figures like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Lloyd Garrison, highlighted the inhumanity of slavery and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of enslaved people.

While the movement gained momentum through various methods, including speeches, publications, and the Underground Railroad, its ultimate goal was to secure freedom and civil rights for African Americans. This aim was rooted in the belief that all individuals, regardless of race, should have equal rights and opportunities. Thus, the abolition movement laid significant groundwork for future civil rights advancements. The focus on ending slavery distinctly sets it apart from other movements that often addressed different social issues, such as labor rights or women's suffrage.