Problem: Frederick Douglass conducted a tour of the northern United States based upon his speech Composite Nation, first delivered in 1869. Douglass, the most photographed individual of the 19th century lectured on a variety of topics including slavery, race relations and how to define success in a capitalist democracy. For this assignment, read Composite Nation and consider the following questions: What does the phrase "composite nation" mean to Douglass? Who can claim citizenship according to the Fourteenth amendment? Why was this a radical step for the U.S. government? Why do you think Frederick Douglass wanted the nation to embrace its growing diversity? Does any part of this speech feel relevant to the United States today?