Harriet Tubman

Definition

Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and political activist who escaped slavery and subsequently became a leading figure in the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved people achieve freedom. Her work extended beyond this as she was also involved in the women’s suffrage movement and served as a spy and nurse during the Civil War, embodying the spirit of resistance and activism in 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, after which she made it her mission to help others escape.
2. She made an estimated 13 missions back to the South and helped around 70 enslaved individuals escape via the Underground Railroad, earning her the nickname 'Moses'.
3. Tubman was not just a conductor on the Underground Railroad; she also served as a scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War, gathering intelligence and leading raids.
4. She became an outspoken advocate for women's suffrage after the war, believing that freedom and rights should extend to all women, not just white women.
5. In her later years, Tubman faced financial difficulties and worked tirelessly to secure a pension for her service during the Civil War, eventually receiving recognition as a hero.

Review Questions

• How did Harriet Tubman's experiences shape her role in the Underground Railroad?
  • Harriet Tubman's own escape from slavery deeply influenced her commitment to the Underground Railroad. Having experienced the brutalities of slavery firsthand, she understood the dangers faced by those seeking freedom. This personal knowledge drove her to make numerous trips back to the South, guiding others to safety. Her courage and determination made her a crucial figure in this network of escape routes, providing invaluable support to countless enslaved individuals.
• What were some strategies employed by Harriet Tubman as an abolitionist, and how did they differ from other methods of advocacy at the time?
  • Harriet Tubman's strategies as an abolitionist were hands-on and direct, focusing on active rescue missions through the Underground Railroad. Unlike many abolitionists who primarily used moral arguments or political lobbying, Tubman risked her life repeatedly to lead enslaved people to freedom. Her approach emphasized action over advocacy, showcasing her belief in immediate liberation rather than gradual change. This practical methodology contrasted sharply with more passive forms of activism prevalent among many contemporaries.
• Evaluate Harriet Tubman's impact on both the abolitionist movement and women's rights activism after the Civil War.
  • Harriet Tubman's impact on the abolitionist movement was profound due to her daring actions that saved numerous lives and inspired others to fight against slavery. After the Civil War, she transitioned into women's rights activism, emphasizing that true freedom encompassed not just emancipation from slavery but also equal rights for women. Her dual legacy as both an abolitionist and a suffragist highlights the interconnectedness of these movements, illustrating how she pushed for social justice across multiple fronts. This integration of causes made her a symbol of resilience and tenacity for future generations fighting for equality.

Related terms

Underground Railroad:

A network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States in the early to mid-19th century, used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada.

Abolitionism: A movement aimed at ending the practice of slavery and promoting the emancipation of enslaved people, often involving various strategies including moral persuasion, political action, and direct intervention.

Fugitive Slave Act:

A law passed in 1850 that required the return of runaway enslaved people to their owners, even if they were found in free states, making it more dangerous for escaped slaves and those who aided them.