His success in 1838, combined with education he received while a slave (which was prohibited at the time), enabled Douglass to become an important voice in the abolitionist movement and draw high-praise as an author.
Douglass’s determination continued after he was freed. He helped push for the end of slavery (put into effect by the 13th Amendment in December 1865) and the start of voting rights for African American men (put into effect by the 15th Amendment in March 1870). He also spoke in favor of women’s voting rights, but they weren’t realized until the 19th Amendment (ratified in 1920).