What movement aimed to end slavery immediately and was prominent in the years leading up to the Civil War?

Abolitionism was the movement that sought to end slavery immediately, gaining significant momentum in the years leading up to the Civil War. It was characterized by a strong moral opposition to the institution of slavery and called for the immediate emancipation of enslaved people. Prominent figures in the abolitionist movement, such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the injustices of slavery and to promote the cause of freedom for African Americans.

This movement mobilized many individuals and organizations that advocated for legal and social changes to dismantle the system of slavery, often using powerful literature, speeches, and direct action, such as the Underground Railroad. The increasing visibility and activism of abolitionists played a crucial role in shaping public opinion against slavery, ultimately leading to heightened tensions that precipitated the Civil War.

The other choices were centered around different historical contexts and goals. Reconstruction was focused on the integration of the Southern states after the Civil War and the rebuilding of the nation, whereas Progressivism dealt with social reform in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, addressing issues like labor rights and women's suffrage. Federalism relates to the division of power between national and state governments, which does not pertain directly to the