Harriet Tubman

Definition

Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War. She is best known for her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used to assist enslaved people in escaping to free states and Canada.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland and escaped to the North in 1849, later returning to the South numerous times to help others escape through the Underground Railroad.
2. Tubman's work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad is estimated to have helped free over 300 enslaved people, including her own family members.
3. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a Union spy and scout, gathering intelligence and leading a raid that freed over 700 enslaved people in South Carolina.
4. Tubman was a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement, advocating for the rights of enslaved people and women's suffrage.
5. Tubman's actions and heroism made her a symbol of resistance against slavery and a revered figure in the fight for civil rights and equality.

Review Questions

• Explain Harriet Tubman's role and significance in the context of the Underground Railroad.
  • Harriet Tubman was a key figure in the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved individuals escape from the American South to free states and Canada. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Tubman made numerous dangerous journeys back to the South, risking her own freedom to guide other enslaved people to liberty. Her efforts are estimated to have helped free over 300 enslaved people, including her own family members. Tubman's courage, determination, and commitment to the abolitionist cause made her a revered and iconic figure in the fight against slavery.
• Analyze Harriet Tubman's contributions to the broader abolitionist movement in the United States.
  • In addition to her work on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman was a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement. She advocated tirelessly for the rights of enslaved people and the abolition of slavery, using her own experiences and heroic actions to inspire others to join the cause. Tubman also became involved in the women's suffrage movement, recognizing the need for gender equality and the right of women to participate in the political process. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights made her a respected and influential leader in the broader struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States.
• Evaluate the impact of Harriet Tubman's actions and legacy on the course of American history, particularly in the context of African Americans in the Antebellum United States and the efforts to address slavery.
  • Harriet Tubman's actions and legacy had a profound impact on the course of American history, particularly in the context of African Americans in the Antebellum United States and the efforts to address slavery. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Tubman played a crucial role in helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom, challenging the institution of slavery and undermining the economic and social foundations of the slave-holding South. Her bravery, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to the abolitionist cause made her a symbol of resistance and a rallying figure for the broader movement to end slavery. Moreover, Tubman's involvement in the women's suffrage movement and her advocacy for the rights of all marginalized groups demonstrated her vision for a more just and equitable society. Tubman's legacy continues to inspire and inform the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice in the United States.

Related terms

Underground Railroad:

A secret network of routes, safe houses, and people who helped enslaved individuals escape from the American South to free states and Canada during the 19th century.

Abolitionism:

The movement to end slavery and the slave trade, especially in the United States, during the 19th century.

Fugitive Slave Act:

A law passed in 1850 that required the return of escaped enslaved people to their owners, even in free states, and imposed penalties on those who aided in their escape.