The Gateway Freedom Summary

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Eric Foner is the prestige author behind the Gateway Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad novel. This influential researcher, writer, and historian attended Oriel College, Oxford from 1963-1965 and Columbia University from 1965 until his graduation 1969. He graduated with his doctoral degree from the University of Columbia and later went on to teach as a professor at the University. He is a well-known and important author who has published many novels on the American political history. One of the most significant topics discussed and analyzed in the novel is the abolitionist movement and the efforts made to end slavery in the America. He aimed to educate and to reveal the truth behind the underground railroad. New York City was a norther state; however, they were known to be a popular trading ground for slavery. Many slaves trying to escape the terror they slaved had to be sold back into their or a new owner. People known as “abolitionists” began to shed light to the issue and began to form organizations intended to decline these senseless actions. The Manumission Society was one of the groups who “actively [campaigned] for an end of slavery” and “offered legal assistance to blacks seeking freedom” (Foner, 2015, pg.41). One …show more content…

This act authorized the for the capture and return of runaway slaves causing more tension between the north and the south. It sates “required citizens to assist in the capture of fugitives” (Fonner, 2015, P. 25). It became extremely hard for them to escape and be free. It also states, “slave hunters… were lurking about the city” (Foner, 2015, P.164). Many wanted the reward that was given if they returned a runaway slave, so many African Americans would be terrorized every day. With the slave catchers on the lookout it made the fugitives be more discrete and made them have more elaborate plans to not get

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