22
QuizMultiple Choice

A Nation Dividing and Expanding: Civil War, Regionalism, and Realism — Test

Question 22 • Language Arts 11

How does "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” relate to the Declaration of Independence?

Answer
A
Douglass’s speech served as the basis for the Declaration of Independence, which was written soon after his speech was given.
B
Douglass’s speech proclaims that the treatment of Black people directly contradicts the Declaration of Independence.
C
Douglass’s speech quotes the Declaration of Independence liberally and uses it to support every claim.
D
Douglass’s speech objects to several points made within the Declaration of Independence.

Explanation

Frederick Douglass argues that the ideals celebrated in the Declaration of Independence—liberty and equality—are denied to enslaved and free Black Americans. The speech condemns this contradiction between the nation’s founding principles and its treatment of Black people. So the best choice is that Douglass’s speech says the treatment of Black people directly contradicts the Declaration.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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