The text authors conclude that “by the 1850s, . . . black abolitionist

The text authors conclude that “by the 1850s, . . . black abolitionists felt a deep sense of pessimism. . . .” Why? In their pessimism, what did African American leaders propose as the next step?

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER
Consider:
Why pessimism? Slavery still existed, slaves were growing in numbers, and slavery was threatening to spread to new territories; there was talk of reopening the Atlantic slave trade; northern abolitionists faced not only southern opposition, but violent anti-abolitionist attacks in the North as well .
What next? Some African Americans reconsidered colonization, others argued for violent action to protect themselves and free the slaves.