{"id":300,"date":"2024-10-09T16:24:56","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T16:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/?post_type=chapter&p=300"},"modified":"2025-09-01T19:39:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T19:39:55","slug":"ohios-historical-commitment-to-freedom-and-justice","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/chapter\/ohios-historical-commitment-to-freedom-and-justice\/","title":{"rendered":"4.13 Ohio\u2019s Historical Commitment to Freedom & Justice"},"content":{"raw":"
\r\n
\r\n\r\nOhio\u2019s first constitution, adopted in 1802, prohibited slavery. While racial prejudice still existed, Ohio\u2019s abolitionist movement was influential, and several\u00a0Ohioans played an active role in the Underground Railroad<\/a>, which aided enslaved people in their escape to the North. This early commitment to justice distinguished Ohio in the years leading up to the Civil War.\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\nWatch this video from the Ohio Statehouse to learn more about the anti-slavery focus of Ohio\u2019s first constitution:<\/em>\r\n\r\nYouTube URL: <\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BBnDETIf5lg<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nDuration: 5:32\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nCommitted abolitionists in Ohio played a crucial role in shaping the state\u2019s history and moral character. Charles Osborne founded the first abolitionist newspaper. Figures like John P. Parker<\/a>, John Rankin<\/a>, Lucy Stanton<\/a>, Salmon Portland Case<\/a>, and Levi Coffin<\/a> were instrumental in the fight against slavery, providing shelter and assistance to those fleeing bondage. Harriet Beecher Stowe<\/a> wrote the novel Uncle Tom\u2019s Cabin<\/a>, which had a tremendous influence on the abolitionist movement. These efforts reflected a broader societal commitment to human rights and equality, which resonated deeply with the state\u2019s citizens.\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\nWatch the following video from the Ohio Statehouse to learn more:<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nYouTube URL: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-sgn7V59gng<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nDuration: 5:46\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nDuring the Civil War, Ohio\u2019s dedication to these principles was evident in the disproportionate number of Union soldiers who hailed from the state. Ohio contributed significantly to the Union Army, with many men enlisting to fight for the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union. This strong participation underscored the state\u2019s commitment to the cause of freedom and justice.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nOhio\u2019s long-standing dedication to these values is something we can be proud of. It speaks to a history of moral courage and a willingness to stand up for what is right.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nToday, tens of thousands of Ohio families can trace their lineage back to the Civil War and be proud of their ancestors\u2019 contributions to abolition. For example, my great-great-grandfather, Charles Martin, enlisted in the Union Army in 1861 in Akron, and later fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. His story is one of many that highlight the bravery and dedication of Ohioans who fought for the abolition of slavery.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s something for you trivia buffs and sports fans. Ohio\u2019s contribution to abolition continues to resonate in our state\u2019s popular culture. This is evident in the nickname of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the state\u2019s NHL team. The name pays homage to the many Ohioans who served in the Union army during the American Civil War and to the manufacture of many of the uniforms worn by that army in Columbus. This tribute reflects the enduring legacy of Ohio\u2019s commitment to freedom and justice, highlighting how the state\u2019s proud history still influences its identity and cultural expressions today. This last paragraph comes directly from the Encyclopedia Britannica: https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Columbus-Blue-Jackets<\/a>.\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\nFoundational Facts<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nOhio\u2019s 1802 Constitution set a stance against slavery. This early commitment positioned Ohio alongside national milestones like the Emancipation Proclamation<\/a> and the 13th Amendment<\/a>, which ultimately ended slavery in the United States.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"
\n
\n

Ohio\u2019s first constitution, adopted in 1802, prohibited slavery. While racial prejudice still existed, Ohio\u2019s abolitionist movement was influential, and several\u00a0Ohioans played an active role in the Underground Railroad<\/a>, which aided enslaved people in their escape to the North. This early commitment to justice distinguished Ohio in the years leading up to the Civil War.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Watch this video from the Ohio Statehouse to learn more about the anti-slavery focus of Ohio\u2019s first constitution:<\/em><\/p>\n

YouTube URL: <\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BBnDETIf5lg<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Duration: 5:32<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Committed abolitionists in Ohio played a crucial role in shaping the state\u2019s history and moral character. Charles Osborne founded the first abolitionist newspaper. Figures like John P. Parker<\/a>, John Rankin<\/a>, Lucy Stanton<\/a>, Salmon Portland Case<\/a>, and Levi Coffin<\/a> were instrumental in the fight against slavery, providing shelter and assistance to those fleeing bondage. Harriet Beecher Stowe<\/a> wrote the novel Uncle Tom\u2019s Cabin<\/a>, which had a tremendous influence on the abolitionist movement. These efforts reflected a broader societal commitment to human rights and equality, which resonated deeply with the state\u2019s citizens.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Watch the following video from the Ohio Statehouse to learn more:<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

YouTube URL: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-sgn7V59gng<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Duration: 5:46<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

During the Civil War, Ohio\u2019s dedication to these principles was evident in the disproportionate number of Union soldiers who hailed from the state. Ohio contributed significantly to the Union Army, with many men enlisting to fight for the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union. This strong participation underscored the state\u2019s commitment to the cause of freedom and justice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Ohio\u2019s long-standing dedication to these values is something we can be proud of. It speaks to a history of moral courage and a willingness to stand up for what is right.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Today, tens of thousands of Ohio families can trace their lineage back to the Civil War and be proud of their ancestors\u2019 contributions to abolition. For example, my great-great-grandfather, Charles Martin, enlisted in the Union Army in 1861 in Akron, and later fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. His story is one of many that highlight the bravery and dedication of Ohioans who fought for the abolition of slavery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Here\u2019s something for you trivia buffs and sports fans. Ohio\u2019s contribution to abolition continues to resonate in our state\u2019s popular culture. This is evident in the nickname of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the state\u2019s NHL team. The name pays homage to the many Ohioans who served in the Union army during the American Civil War and to the manufacture of many of the uniforms worn by that army in Columbus. This tribute reflects the enduring legacy of Ohio\u2019s commitment to freedom and justice, highlighting how the state\u2019s proud history still influences its identity and cultural expressions today. This last paragraph comes directly from the Encyclopedia Britannica: https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Columbus-Blue-Jackets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Foundational Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Ohio\u2019s 1802 Constitution set a stance against slavery. This early commitment positioned Ohio alongside national milestones like the Emancipation Proclamation<\/a> and the 13th Amendment<\/a>, which ultimately ended slavery in the United States.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":511,"menu_order":13,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-300","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":40,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/300","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/511"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/300\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2727,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/300\/revisions\/2727"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/40"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/300\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=300"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=300"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}