The Contradiction of Liberty and Slavery

Frederick Douglass, in his speech on the Fourth of July in 1852, emphasizes the contradiction between America's founding principles of liberty and the continued existence of slavery. He draws attention to the significant difference between the freedom enjoyed by the audience and the oppression endured by enslaved individuals. Douglass challenges the audience to acknowledge the disparity and recognize that while they celebrate their independence, he mourns the prolonged suffering of millions.