What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?

In “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?,” otherwise known as “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,” Frederick Douglass outlines a careful argument against the institution of slavery and more specifically the Fugitive Slave Act. Weaving together ethical, religious, and sociopolitical threads of argument, Douglass points out the ironies of American values, particularly regarding the existence of an economic system based on slavery. Originally drafted and given as a speech in Rochester, New York, on July 5, 1852, the speech has been republished and anthologized many times since.

Douglass had originally been invited to speak on the actual date of the American Independence Day holiday, July 4th, and opted to speak on the day after. His iconic words have been studied, repeated, and reprinted since then by scholars, historians, and the general public. In the speech, Douglass carefully alternates between praising his audience and critiquing America. He reveals his fierce opinions regarding the hypocrisy of a country that espouses freedom and equality yet is comfortable with a whole group of people experiencing extended, unlawful enslavement. Further, Douglass discusses the particular horrors of the Fugitive Slave Act, which made Northern “free” states responsible for enforcing slavery with regard to escaped enslaved people.

In the opening sections of Douglass’ speech, he positions himself as a humble narrator speaking only his personal opinions about a very young America, a country that has not yet solidified all of its systems, beliefs, or goals. Douglass alludes to historical events throughout the beginning of the speech, illustrating his understanding of U.S. history and the events that led to him speaking at this event. After praising at length the men who created and defended America, Douglass pivots to address the present-day, arguing that all people should be allowed to experience the celebration of independence that is represented by the Fourth of July.

As the tone of the speech shifts, Douglass moves into a more strident rhetorical tone, as he calls on his audience to understand the gravity of the situation. Douglass directly addresses the issue of slavery using a number of specific allusions to the Bible and to the legal systems of the United States. The argument reaches a peak in this section when Douglass articulates the ironic question that centers his speech: “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?” (9); immediately, Douglass answers with his thesis that it is “a day that reveals to him, more than all the other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim” (9). After elucidating this passionate point, Douglass is free to move into more detailed aspects of his argument, referencing other countries and specific political figures while providing anecdotal descriptions.

Before his conclusion, Douglass presents a carefully constructed argument about the Fugitive Slave Law, describing it as an especially horrific offense to those who say they believe in equality and justice. Douglass also describes the complicity of the church in the terrible acts against enslaved people, describing these acts as “blasphemy” (14).

By the final segment of his speech, Douglass has turned into a strong, active orator. Rather than utilizing questions and personal anecdotes, he launches a philosophically sound and emotionally passionate argument against the evils of slavery and the “base pretense” (15) of America’s humanity. Douglass continues to reference the U.S. Constitution and the Bible to support his argument that slavery is morally wrong, and that it goes against the values Americans claim to hold dear. The final lines of the speech are quoted from William Lloyd Garrison, as Douglass articulates his hope for a day “when human blood shall cease to flow” (18).  

This study guide refers to a version of the speech made available by the Mass Humanities; this version is titled “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” and is the original 1852 text written by Douglass. That version of the speech can be located here: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july/.