The nation that inspired Continental Europe to fight more fervently than ever for its liberties was far from flawless on this measure. Before 1860, the Northern states had made steps toward abolishing slavery, but the practice was alive and well in the South.

Despite most states in America at the time protecting press freedoms and free speech, Southern legislators proved intolerant of any debate on the topic of their favourite institution - human chattel. The abolitionist movement began in earnest around 1830 - by 1836, a sweeping Virginia law criminalised all publications that might persuade “persons of colour … to rebel”.

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