Abolitionists,

Abolitionists, a term used to designate a party in the United States, who sought the immediate and total abolition of slavery, and who began to become politically important about the close of the 18th century. Abolitionist views had long been held by many, especially by members of the Society of Friends; but the term was not commonly used until an aggressive party spread from New England throughout the north and west, demanding immediate and unconditional emancipation. After about thirty years of agitation, the abolitionists became sufficiently powerful to get some of their doctrines adopted by the republican party. Their ends were gained when, under Lincoln's administration, slavery was abolished, 1863-5. See GARRISON, SLAVERY.