The Enduring Significance of Frederick Douglass' July 4 Oration
Two hundred and forty-six years ago, on July 4, 1776, the United States declared its independence from England, proclaiming a set of self-evident principles that would define the nation. However, one of the most influential figures in American history, Frederick Douglass, challenged the hypocrisy of these celebrations during a speech he delivered on July 5, 1852.
Entitled "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?", Douglass's speech was delivered in Corinthian Hall, Rochester, New York, and is recognized as one of the greatest in American history. In this powerful address, Douglass critiques the hypocrisy of celebrating independence while slavery existed in the United States.
## Praise of Founding Ideals
Douglass began by acknowledging the revolutionary spirit and ideals of the Founding Fathers, calling them "brave" and "wise men." He praised their courage and vision in creating a nation founded on liberty and equality. However, he also emphasized that these ideals were not fully realized for all Americans, particularly slaves.
## Critique of Hypocrisy
The core of the speech is a scathing critique of the hypocrisy of the United States. Douglass argues that the celebration of independence is a sham when millions are enslaved. He describes the nation's boasting of liberty as "an unholy license" and its denunciation of tyrants as "brass fronted impudence." He calls the sounds of rejoicing "empty and heartless" and the prayers and hymns "mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy."
## American Principles vs. Reality
Douglass highlights the stark contrast between American principles of liberty and equality and the reality of slavery. He emphasizes that the blessings of justice, liberty, and prosperity are not shared equally among all citizens. He argues that the nation is false to its past, present, and future in its failure to uphold these principles for all.
## Conclusion and Call to Action
Douglass concludes by calling for an end to the hypocrisy and for the nation to live up to its ideals. He urges his audience to recognize the injustices of slavery and to work towards a future where all are truly free.
Today, as the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding on July 4, 2026, an honest discussion of American principles and American history is required to achieve the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. Douglass's speech remains a powerful critique of hypocrisy and a call to action for justice and equality.
The edited version of Douglass's speech is reduced to propaganda, and the speech by Frederick Douglass, delivered on July 5, 1852, is required reading for many Ameritas College students. Douglass's speech, in its entirety, is an inspiration and played an essential role in ending slavery.
On the 200th anniversary of his speech, Douglass's powerful critique in "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" continues to shine a light on the hypocrisy of American celebrations of independence, as the country was still plagued with the institution of slavery. The speech, delivered in 1852, challenged the nation's focus on politics, news, and general-news, while overlooking the education-and-self-development of slaves.
