The objects of their philanthropy were not to be stolen away and hurried off to an uncongenial land for the oppressed.

They were in accordance with the exigencies of their new situation to be prepared by instruction in mechanic arts, agriculture, science and Biblical literature that some might lead in the higher pursuits and others might skilfully serve their fellows.[5] Private enterprise was at first depended on to carry out the schemes but it soon became evident that a better method was necessary.
Finally out of the proposals of various thinkers and out of the actual colonization feats of Paul Cuffe, a Negro, came a national meeting for this purpose, held in Washington, December, 1816, and the organization of the American Colonization Society.

This meeting was attended by some of the most prominent men in the United States, among whom were Henry Clay, Francis S.Key, Bishop William Meade, John Randolph and Judge Bushrod Washington.
The American Colonization Society, however, failed to facilitate the movement of the free Negro from the South and did not promote the general welfare of the race.

The reasons for these failures are many.

In the first place, the society was all things to all men.