Watch

Frederick Douglass Reacts

01/08/13 | 2m 59s | Rating: NR

In 1833, Frederick Douglass was sent to a slave breaker to be beaten back into submission. After six months of beatings, Douglass fought back. "I was nothing before. I was a man now."

FacebookRedditGoogle ClassroomEmail
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Related Stories from PBS Wisconsin's Blog

A group of lions sleep on the ground. One lion cub stares at the camera with its head resting on another lion.

What’s new on PBS Wisconsin this September?

Olympic Runner Jesse Owens at the 1936 Games

Celebrate the Summer Olympics with PBS Wisconsin

Female singer Holly Near holds her hands in prayer position over her head while standing in front of a microphone.

Celebrate Pride Month With These PBS Programs

Celebrate Women’s History Month With PBS Wisconsin’s On-Air and Online Programs

PBS Wisconsin Honors Female Trailblazers

PBS Wisconsin Celebrates African American Music Appreciation Month

Falsettos musical

Celebrate Pride Month with PBS Wisconsin

Q&A: Deborah Blum, The Poison Squad on American Experience

Donate to Sign Up

Make your membership gift today

Activate Account

Only for new users: Activate Passport using your code or email address

Sign in to Passport

Already a member?
Look up my account

Need some help? Go to FAQ or visit PBS Passport Help

Need help accessing PBS Wisconsin anywhere?

Need help accessing PBS Wisconsin anywhere?