Fourth of July Celebration, or, Southern Ideas of Liberty—July 4, ’40. The Fruits of Amalgamation. The institution of slavery was often couched in satire to further abolitionists’ goals. The great irony found in the Fourth of July Celebration, or, Southern Ideas of Liberty, is the bound slave reading the Declaration of Independence. Similarly, The Fruits of Amalgamation pokes fun at Southern fears of social upheaval should their slaves become free. The ability to read is just one factor illustrated in this dynamic abolitionist cartoon. |
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