Question

what does douglass say is the reason for separating enslaved children from their mothers?

Explanation:

Frederick Douglass, in his narrative, stated that enslaved children were separated from their mothers to break the maternal bond, which would reduce the development of strong family ties and a sense of humanity in the enslaved, making them more compliant to the institution of slavery. Slaveholders did this to prevent the nurturing relationship from fostering resistance or a strong sense of self - worth in the enslaved children.

Answer:

According to Frederick Douglass, the reason for separating enslaved children from their mothers was to break the maternal bond, reduce the development of strong family ties and a sense of humanity in the enslaved, and make them more compliant to the institution of slavery (by preventing the nurturing relationship from fostering resistance or a strong sense of self - worth in the enslaved children).