Harriet Tubman

Definition

Harriet Tubman was a prominent African American abolitionist and political activist who escaped from slavery and became a leading figure in the Underground Railroad. Known for her courage and determination, she helped hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom, embodying the spirit of resistance against the oppressive systems of her time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harriet Tubman was born into slavery around 1822 in Maryland and escaped to freedom in 1849, risking her life to seek a better future.
2. She made approximately 13 missions back to the South, leading around 70 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
3. Tubman served as a spy and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War, showcasing her commitment to the fight against slavery beyond her work in the Underground Railroad.
4. She was also a key figure in women's suffrage, advocating for women's rights alongside her anti-slavery efforts.
5. Tubman's legacy is celebrated today as a symbol of bravery, freedom, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Review Questions

• How did Harriet Tubman's actions exemplify forms of resistance against slavery during her lifetime?
  • Harriet Tubman's actions showcased several forms of resistance against slavery, primarily through her role in the Underground Railroad. By risking her life to lead enslaved people to freedom, she directly challenged the institution of slavery. Her ability to return repeatedly to rescue others emphasized her commitment to abolition and solidarity with those still enslaved, embodying both organized resistance and personal acts of defiance.
• In what ways did Harriet Tubman's work challenge the legal and social foundations of the slave system in America?
  • Harriet Tubman's work significantly undermined the legal and social foundations of the slave system by actively facilitating escapes and defying laws designed to capture runaway slaves. The Fugitive Slave Act, which mandated that escaped slaves be returned to their owners, was directly countered by Tubman's efforts as she guided many to freedom. Her activities exposed the moral failures of slavery and mobilized public sentiment against it, thus challenging its legitimacy.
• Evaluate the impact Harriet Tubman had on both the abolitionist movement and subsequent civil rights efforts, considering her legacy.
  • Harriet Tubman's impact on the abolitionist movement was profound, as she not only liberated numerous enslaved individuals but also inspired others to join the fight against slavery. Her dual role as an abolitionist leader and later as a women's suffrage advocate highlights her influence on civil rights efforts that followed. By breaking barriers for both racial and gender equality, Tubman's legacy continues to resonate in contemporary movements for social justice, demonstrating her lasting significance in American history.

Related terms

Underground Railroad:

A network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada.

Abolitionism: The movement to end slavery and promote the equality of all people, particularly emphasizing the liberation of enslaved individuals.

Civil War:

The conflict between Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) from 1861 to 1865, which centered around issues including slavery and states' rights.