The most likely reason why Whittier became embroiled in the abolitionist movement was the strong influence Garrison, his passionate friend and abolitionist, had upon him. This influence began after the nervous breakdown that Whittier had after he lost in the congressional election in 1930.
In 1833, Whittier published the antislavery pamphlet Justice and Expediency, and from there dedicated the next twenty years of his life to the abolitionist cause.
established Department of Education
the Iran-Contra scandal
Persian Gulf War