The Legacy of Arthur & Lewis Tappan

The Legacy of Arthur & Lewis Tappan

Arthur Tappan

Lewis Tappan

Results of the Tappan Movement

Who were the Tappan brothers?

These actions helped the anti-slavery cause by...

The Tappan brothers inspired a political movement across America. They are the ones that gave the Anti-Abolition Movement the money and professionalism it needed in order to be successful. The Tappan brothers were the fuel to the fire; they inspired many to make change in their lives (such as slaves, and middle-of-the-road citizens in the North) and join the anti-abolitionist movement. The Tappans, most importantly, put the message out into the media- journals and newspapers, that gave the anti-abolitionist movement the publicity it needed to gain the Lawmaker's attention.

Arising the Tappan brothers to a level of power and credibility; one they could use to sway many non-politically involved people into fighting against the slave movement (as evidenced by the fact that during their time, they influenced many elections with their propaganda and speeches). In addition to this, the Tappans used their fortune made off of their businesses to finance the Underground Railroad and the Union army (later fought in by Benjamin Tappan). The Tappans were able to infiltrate the media with the message of abolitionism to get the message of their campaign across.

• The Tappan brothers were white anti-abolitionists from New York from the 1820s to the 1850s
• Successful Merchant Owners who made a fortune off the dry goods importing business
• After retiring from business, they used the fortune to help the free-slave cause
• Leaders and Founders of the American Anti-Slavery Society from 1830-1840

Bibliography

The Rise of the Tappans

What were some of the things the Tappan brothers did to help the anti-abolitionist movement?

The Tappans rose to fame when they published the "Journal for Commerce", which then turned into a journal of ideas. For example, the Tappans started publishing their views on slavery inside the journal. Once they realized the reaction they got, they decided to turn this movement into a campaign for abolition. As a result, the Tappans were attacked by abolition supporters. Vowing to exact their revenge, the Tappans waged war on slavery, promising to use their assets to fight against slavery. The Tappans then formed groups such as the American Anti-Slavery Society and the Liberal Party, which were both anti-abolition groups.

1. Shmoop Editorial Team. "Arthur Tappan in Abolitionists." Shmoop. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.

2. "Arthur and Lewis Tappan - Ohio History Central." Arthur and Lewis Tappan. Web. 19 Apr. 2016. <http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Arthur_and_Lewis_Tappan>.

3. "Arthur and Lewis Tappan." The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Web. 19 Apr. 2016. <https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/slavery-and-anti-slavery/timeline-terms/arthur-and-lewis-tappan>.

• Educated others about why slavery is "morally"wrong
• Showed public defiance to set an example and they refused to comply with the Fugitive Slave Act
• Spread anti-slavery propaganda through their production
• Started building black colleges, giving black people education in Ohio
• Under the Liberty party, influenced many elections
• Support seeped into the Republican party
• Financed many anti-slavery causes
• Used their money to donate to the Underground Railroad
• Influenced the logistics of politics since they were white and they swayed many voters
• Lead the anti-slavery charge and materialized it with their assets

By: Siddharth Dudla & Manoj Kolagani