The historical movement that sought to abolish the enslavement of African Americans is known as the abolitionist movement. This movement gained momentum in the early 19th century, fueled by moral, religious, and political beliefs against the inhumanity of slavery. Abolitionists, both African American and white, advocated for an end to slavery through various means including literature, speeches, and legal challenges. Key figures included Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Lloyd Garrison. Their efforts contributed significantly to the national conversation about slavery, feeding into political tensions that culminated in the Civil War and eventually led to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.