The central theme of the abolitionist movement in the United States was the call for the immediate end of slavery and the promotion of equal rights for African Americans. Activists sought to raise awareness about the moral and ethical implications of slavery, advocating for its eradication based on principles of human rights, equality, and justice. The movement was marked by the efforts of prominent figures like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Lloyd Garrison, who employed various methods, including pamphlets, speeches, and direct action. The abolitionist movement laid the groundwork for later civil rights efforts, influencing public opinion and ultimately contributing to the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.