Harriet Tubman

Definition

Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist, political activist, and humanitarian, best known for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Her actions not only demonstrated the resilience and courage of women in slave societies but also highlighted the critical role of women in resistance movements against oppression. Tubman's legacy extends to her involvement in the women's suffrage movement, showcasing how her fight for freedom intertwined with broader struggles for equality and nation-building.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland around 1822 and escaped to freedom in 1849.
2. She made approximately 13 missions back into slave states, guiding over 70 enslaved individuals to safety through the Underground Railroad.
3. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a spy and nurse for the Union Army, demonstrating her commitment to both abolition and national unity.
4. Tubman's efforts were not limited to escaping slaves; she also worked as an advocate for women's suffrage, believing that both racial and gender equality were essential for a just society.
5. She is often referred to as 'Moses' due to her leadership in guiding others to freedom and her unwavering courage in the face of danger.

Review Questions

• How did Harriet Tubman exemplify women's roles in resistance movements during her time?
  • Harriet Tubman exemplified women's roles in resistance movements by courageously leading enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Her determination and strategic thinking challenged the norms of her era, proving that women could take on significant risks and leadership roles in the fight against slavery. Tubman's actions inspired many others and demonstrated that women played a vital part in shaping social change.
• In what ways did Harriet Tubman's contributions extend beyond her work with the Underground Railroad?
  • Harriet Tubman's contributions extended beyond her work with the Underground Railroad as she actively participated in the Civil War, serving as a nurse and a spy for Union forces. Additionally, after the war, she became involved in the women's suffrage movement, advocating for women's right to vote. This dual focus on both racial and gender equality illustrates how Tubman's legacy encompasses multiple aspects of social justice.
• Evaluate the impact of Harriet Tubman's life and activism on contemporary discussions about women's roles in social movements.
  • Evaluating Harriet Tubman's life reveals a profound impact on contemporary discussions about women's roles in social movements. Her leadership on the Underground Railroad set a precedent for future generations of women activists who seek justice and equality. By linking her fight against slavery with women's suffrage, Tubman emphasized that various struggles are interconnected, shaping modern understandings of intersectionality within social justice movements today.

Related terms

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

Abolitionism: The movement to end slavery and promote the rights of enslaved individuals, which gained momentum in the United States during the 19th century.

Suffrage Movement: A social and political movement advocating for women's right to vote, which gained traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.