In the United States, no issue holds more historic and emotional weight than slavery. While the basics of this period are known by most people, few can recall the people who directly challenged the legality and ethicality of slavery. There were many figures who took a stand during this era, one of the most remarkable was Elizabeth Freeman. Her use of the court system to directly challenge the concept of slavery in the state of Massachusetts in 1781 was the catalyst to remove the institution of slavery from the northern states. Her stand not only granted freedom for herself, but would excite the cause of abolition to a new nation under the premise that all men are born free and equal.
At the time of the Revolution, there was slavery throughout the states. (A slave auction at the south, Library of Congress)