Here's why:
* The Liberator: Garrison founded and edited the abolitionist newspaper *The Liberator*, which was widely considered to be the most radical publication of its time. It called for the immediate and unconditional emancipation of all enslaved people, without compensation to slaveholders.
* Immediate Emancipation: Garrison's stance on immediate emancipation was controversial even among other abolitionists. Many believed in a more gradual approach, while others were hesitant about the idea of upsetting the social and political order.
* Non-violence and Moral Suasion: Garrison was a fervent believer in non-violent resistance and moral suasion as the means to achieve abolition. He opposed any political compromise with slaveholders and saw slavery as a moral evil that had to be completely eradicated.
* Radical Language: The *Liberator* used strong language and uncompromising rhetoric to denounce slavery and its supporters. This often alienated moderate abolitionists and even some Northerners who were uncomfortable with Garrison's radical views.
Garrison's radicalism, while controversial, played a significant role in galvanizing the abolitionist movement and exposing the evils of slavery to a wider audience.