---
title: How Frederick Douglass Changed His Mind About Lincoln
date: 2025-10-01T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/how-frederick-douglass-changed-his-mind-about-lincoln"
section: Articles
---
# How Frederick Douglass Changed His Mind About Lincoln

*October 1, 2025* — by [Jennifer S. Holland M.S. ’98](/author/jennifer)


> Alum’s New Book Finds Fresh Nuance in Relationship That Helped End Slavery

*Lincoln Douglass 1920x1080 — A new book by a UMD alumnus recounts famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass' journey from criticism to respect of Abraham Lincoln for the 16th president's moves to end slavery. (Photos courtesy of Library of Congress)*

As the Civil War ramped up, a leading abolitionist of the day looked at the man leading the Union and didn't like what he saw: hesitancy and a lack of commitment to ending the enslavement of Black Americans.


*“Measuring the Man: The Writings of Frederick Douglass on Abraham Lincoln” book cover — (Book cover courtesy of Reedy Press)*




**Topics:** [People](https://today.umd.edu/tags/people)


**Tags:** [Books](https://today.umd.edu/topic/books), [Alumni](https://today.umd.edu/topic/alumni), [History](https://today.umd.edu/topic/history)


**Units:** [College of Arts and Humanities](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-arts-and-humanities)