Benjamin Franklin

Early in his life, Franklin, like many of his contemporaries, accepted the institution of slavery as a part of the social and economic fabric of the time. He even occasionally advertised the sale of enslaved people in his newspaper.

As Franklin grew older and witnessed the injustices and cruelties of slavery firsthand, his views began to evolve. He started to question the morality of owning another human being and became increasingly concerned about the impact of slavery on society.

In his later years, Franklin became a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery. He served as the president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, one of the earliest anti-slavery organizations in the United States.

Shortly before his death, Franklin signed a petition to the U.S. Congress calling for the abolition of slavery and the end of the slave trade. This petition, though unsuccessful at the time, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the cause of abolition.

Franklin's legacy on slavery is complex and multifaceted. While he initially accepted the institution, he later became a strong advocate for abolition. His evolving views reflect the changing attitudes towards slavery during his lifetime and his personal commitment to justice and equality.