Henry ward Beecher

Henry Ward Beecher was regarded as the most popular Christian minister in the United States for more than 30 years of his life. From the 1850s to the 1880s, Beecher spoke to large congregations every week. Beecher was able to change the minds of thousands by using the New Testament to show that slavery was wrong. He described himself as “a peace-man, except when I wish to fight.” This could be seen through his theology, “The Doctrine of Love,” and his fiery public crusades. Henry Ward Beecher was regarded as the most popular Christian minister in the United States for more than 30 years of his life. From the 1850s to the 1880s, Beecher spoke to large congregations every week. Beecher was able to change the minds of thousands by using the New Testament to show that slavery was wrong. He described himself as “a peace-man, except when I wish to fight.” This could be seen through his theology, “The Doctrine of Love,” and his fiery public crusades. Slavery had troubled Beecher for a long time, so beginning in 1850 he began to fight it. Beecher used a variety of ways to show his followers slavery was wrong. He would invite slaves on stage and hold a mock slave auction until enough money was raised for their freedom. In 1856, following the Nebraska-Kansas Act, Beecher raised money to buy rifles to send to Kansas anti-slavery settlers. Beecher adamantly supported the Civil War and encouraged his followers to fight to end slavery. When there was fear Great Britain might support the Confederates, Beecher went across the Atlantic to speak and ensure public support for the North. Beecher was not the only one in his family to speak publicly against slavery.