Around 1867, the United States was undergoing a period of significant political and social change known as the Reconstruction era. This followed the end of the Civil War in 1865 and aimed at rebuilding the country after the conflict and addressing the issues of emancipation and the rights of formerly enslaved individuals.

Some key points about the political atmosphere during this time include:

1. Reconstruction Policies: The federal government implemented various Reconstruction policies to reintegrate the Southern states into the Union. These policies included the Freedmen's Bureau, which aimed to assist newly freed slaves with education, employment, and other aspects of their transition to freedom.

2. Civil Rights Amendments: During this period, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1865, abolishing slavery. The 14th Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., was proposed in 1866 and ratified in 1868. The 15th Amendment, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, was proposed in 1869 and ratified in 1870.

3. Rise of Black Political Participation: African Americans began to participate in politics more actively during this time. This included the election of black representatives to Southern state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.

4. Opposition and Resistance: The Reconstruction policies faced opposition from some Southern whites who were resistant to the social and political changes. This led to the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and other forms of violence and intimidation against African Americans.

5. Douglass' Role: Frederick Douglass was actively involved in advocating for civil rights during this period. He spoke out in favor of suffrage for African Americans, supported the Republican Party, and held various public positions. Douglass was an influential figure in shaping the political discourse on issues related to race and equality.

In summary, the political atmosphere around 1867 was marked by efforts to reconstruct the nation after the Civil War, the implementation of civil rights amendments, and the complex challenges of integrating freed slaves into American society. Frederick Douglass played a crucial role in these discussions and was a vocal advocate for the rights of African Americans during this transformative period.