Abolitionist Purse

Creator: Unknown

Context: This item, which was created around 1830, is an example of the kinds of products that were imprinted with abolitionist slogans in the decades before the Civil War.

Audience: Northern women who supported abolition and others who might be converted to the abolitionist cause.

Purpose: To promote the cause of abolition, particularly among women.

Historical Significance: This item reveals one of the ways that the abolitionist movement attempted to spread its message during the mid-1800s. Their choice of imprinting abolitionist sentiments on a purse indicates that they believed women would be particularly interested and helpful in promoting their cause.