It has been too readily assumed that the "moral struggle" against slavery in the 1830's became transformed, from 1840 to 1860, into a "political struggle" which diminished the value of the abolitionists. The present volume traces the relationship of antislavery to abolition, and probes their connection with the several reforms which dominated the period.

The challenge of slavery -- Abolition before Garrison -- Abolitionists and reformers -- The antislavery concert -- The politics of freedom -- Schisms and debates -- The rise of political abolitionism -- Fugitive slaves and politicians -- The compromise of 1850 -- Kansas and abolition: the irrepressible conflict -- Reform and revolution.