Harriet Tubman

Definition

Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and political activist born into slavery around 1822. She is best known for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, where she led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom, and she also fought for women's suffrage later in her life. Her courageous efforts challenged the plantation system and inspired many to resist the oppression of slavery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery in 1849 and made numerous trips back to the South to rescue others, earning the nickname 'Moses.'
2. She served as a spy and nurse during the Civil War, providing crucial intelligence to Union forces about Confederate troop movements.
3. Tubman was a key figure in the abolitionist movement, working closely with prominent leaders like Frederick Douglass.
4. She was instrumental in promoting the idea that enslaved people could actively fight for their own freedom through resistance and escape.
5. After the Civil War, Tubman continued her advocacy work, focusing on women's rights and suffrage until her death in 1913.

Review Questions

• How did Harriet Tubman's actions on the Underground Railroad influence the lives of enslaved people?
  • Harriet Tubman's work on the Underground Railroad was vital for many enslaved people seeking freedom. By personally leading hundreds to safety, she not only provided a direct path to liberation but also served as a powerful symbol of hope and resistance against the brutal realities of slavery. Her determination and courage encouraged others to fight against their oppression and believe in the possibility of freedom.
• In what ways did Harriet Tubman contribute to both the abolitionist movement and women's rights?
  • Harriet Tubman's contributions spanned both the abolitionist movement and women's rights advocacy. As an abolitionist, she risked her life to lead enslaved individuals to freedom and worked alongside leaders like Frederick Douglass. Later, she became a fierce advocate for women's suffrage, believing that true equality encompassed both racial and gender rights. Her activism exemplified how social justice issues were interconnected.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Harriet Tubman's legacy on contemporary movements for social justice.
  • Harriet Tubman's legacy continues to inspire contemporary movements for social justice by exemplifying courage, resilience, and active resistance against oppression. Her work on the Underground Railroad serves as a historical reminder that individuals can make significant changes through bold actions. Today, her story resonates with those fighting against systemic racism and inequality, showcasing that grassroots efforts can lead to widespread societal change.

Related terms

Underground Railroad: A secret network of routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to free states and Canada.

Abolitionism: A movement aimed at ending the practice of slavery and promoting equal rights for African Americans.

Civil Disobedience:

The active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government, often associated with social movements for justice.