Early Life of Harriet Tubman
Birth and Background
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822. She was born into slavery and experienced the harsh realities of this system from a young age. Here are some key points about her early life:
1. Family Background: Harriet was born to Harriet Green and Benjamin Ross, both enslaved individuals.
2. Slave Conditions: She faced brutal treatment from slave owners, which instilled in her a deep desire for freedom.
3. Physical Hardships: Tubman suffered a serious head injury at the age of 12, which resulted in debilitating health issues throughout her life.
Escape to Freedom
Harriet Tubman's quest for freedom began when she escaped from her plantation in 1849. Her journey was fraught with danger but marked the beginning of her lifelong mission to aid others in their quest for liberty.
- Motivation: Tubman was motivated by the fear of being sold away from her family and the desire to live as a free woman.
- Escape Route: She traveled northward using the North Star as her guide, eventually reaching Philadelphia.
- Support Network: Upon her arrival in the North, Tubman connected with abolitionists who provided assistance, including the Underground Railroad.
The Underground Railroad
Role as a Conductor
Following her escape, Harriet Tubman became one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses established to help enslaved individuals escape to free states and Canada.
- First Mission: Tubman returned to Maryland in 1850 to rescue her family members.
- Success Rate: Over the course of about a decade, she is credited with leading approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom.
- Tactics Used: Tubman employed various strategies, including disguises and nighttime travel, to evade capture.
Risks and Challenges
Tubman’s missions were fraught with peril. The risks she faced included:
1. Bounty Hunters: There was a significant financial reward for her capture, which motivated many to pursue her.
2. Physical Danger: Tubman often traveled through hostile territory, facing the threat of violence.
3. Emotional Strain: The weight of responsibility for the lives of those she was helping added considerable stress.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on the Abolition Movement
Harriet Tubman’s work had profound implications for the abolition movement and the fight for civil rights.
- Symbol of Resistance: Tubman became a symbol of resilience and courage, inspiring many to join the fight against slavery.
- Public Speaking: After the Civil War, she became an advocate for women’s suffrage and civil rights, sharing her story to galvanize support.
- Recognition: Tubman is remembered as one of the most influential figures in American history, often referred to as "Moses" for leading her people to freedom.
Modern Recognition
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy.
1. Cultural Representations: Tubman’s story has been depicted in films, books, and documentaries, highlighting her contributions.
2. Monuments and Memorials: Various statues and memorials have been erected in her honor, celebrating her legacy.
3. Currency: The U.S. Treasury announced plans to feature Tubman on the $20 bill, a move that symbolizes her importance in American history.
Educational Resources: Great Minds Harriet Tubman Answer Key
To complement the study of Harriet Tubman’s life, educators can utilize an answer key that addresses common questions and themes related to her legacy. Below is a sample answer key that might be included in educational materials.
Sample Questions and Answers
1. Question: What motivated Harriet Tubman to escape slavery?
- Answer: Tubman was motivated by her desire for freedom and the fear of being separated from her family.
2. Question: What was the Underground Railroad?
- Answer: The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used to help enslaved individuals escape to freedom.
3. Question: How many people is Tubman believed to have helped escape?
- Answer: Tubman is credited with helping approximately 70 enslaved people escape to freedom.
4. Question: What role did Tubman play during the Civil War?
- Answer: During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army, providing valuable intelligence and support.
5. Question: Why is Harriet Tubman considered a symbol of courage?
- Answer: Tubman is considered a symbol of courage due to her relentless pursuit of freedom for herself and others, as well as her willingness to risk her life for her cause.
Activities and Discussion Questions
To further engage students, educators can include activities and discussion prompts:
- Creative Writing: Ask students to write a diary entry from the perspective of Harriet Tubman during one of her missions.
- Group Discussion: Facilitate a discussion on the moral implications of slavery and the courage it takes to fight against injustice.
- Research Project: Encourage students to research other figures in the abolition movement and present their findings.
Conclusion
The legacy of great minds Harriet Tubman answer key not only serves as an educational tool but also as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Harriet Tubman's life story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of freedom, making her a timeless figure in American history. By studying her contributions to the abolition movement and the Underground Railroad, we can draw inspiration from her actions and continue to advocate for justice and equality in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Harriet Tubman?
Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and political activist who escaped slavery and subsequently made around thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved people using the Underground Railroad.
What is the significance of Harriet Tubman's work?
Harriet Tubman's work is significant because she played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement and helped to free many enslaved individuals, advocating for their rights and freedom.
What was the Underground Railroad?
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses that abolitionists used to help enslaved people escape to freedom in the Northern United States and Canada.
How did Harriet Tubman contribute to the Civil War?
During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as a scout and spy for the Union Army, providing valuable intelligence and organizing missions to free enslaved people in the South.
What nickname was Harriet Tubman known by?
Harriet Tubman was often referred to as 'Moses' because she led her people to freedom, similar to the biblical figure who led the Israelites out of Egypt.
What challenges did Harriet Tubman face?
Harriet Tubman faced numerous challenges, including the constant threat of capture, violence from slave catchers, and the dangers of navigating through unfamiliar territories.
What is Harriet Tubman's legacy today?
Harriet Tubman's legacy today is celebrated as a symbol of courage, freedom, and the fight for social justice, inspiring generations in the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
Did Harriet Tubman have any formal education?
No, Harriet Tubman had very little formal education; she was born into slavery and learned to read and write later in life, primarily through her own efforts.
What is the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park?
The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park is a designated site in New York that preserves the legacy of Harriet Tubman and her contributions to the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.
How has Harriet Tubman been honored posthumously?
Harriet Tubman has been honored posthumously through various means, including being depicted on U.S. currency, the establishment of monuments and parks in her name, and her induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
