The Breathtaking Story of Harriet Tubman

Summary

Harriet Tubman, born into slavery in Maryland in the 1820s, became a pivotal figure in American history. Known as 'Moses,' she escaped slavery and led hundreds to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Tubman served as a Union Army spy and suffragette, advocating for Black regiments and women's rights. Despite facing numerous hardships, including a severe head injury, she remained a symbol of resistance and resilience until her death in 1913.

Takeaways

• 👑 Harriet Tubman was a multifaceted figure, known as a slave, liberator of slaves, Union Army spy, suffragette, and public speaker.
• 🌱 Born into slavery in the 1820s, Harriet, originally named Araminta, was deeply influenced by her mother's acts of resistance.
• 🏃‍♀️ Harriet escaped slavery in 1849 using the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists that guided slaves to freedom.
• 🌐 The Underground Railroad was a diverse group of people, including men, women, free Blacks, and supporters from various religious backgrounds.
• 📜 After escaping, Harriet became an abolitionist in Philadelphia, helping many others find freedom and reuniting families.
• 🚫 The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 threatened the safety of escaped slaves, prompting the Railroad to extend its operations to Canada.
• 🔍 Harriet was instrumental in the rescue of many family members and earned the nickname 'Moses' for her leadership in guiding people to freedom.
• 🔫 She was known for her strategic planning, using disguises, carrying a gun for protection, and her unwavering faith.
• 🏥 During the Civil War, Harriet served the Union forces as a nurse, cook, and laundress, and later as a spy and military leader.
• 🏆 Post-war, Harriet continued her advocacy for civil rights, becoming a suffragette and supporting the establishment of a home for the aged.
• 🌟 Harriet Tubman's legacy is celebrated through various forms of media and she is considered an American icon for freedom and equality.

Q & A

What significant roles did Harriet Tubman play in her life?

Harriet Tubman was a slave, liberator of slaves, Union Army spy, suffragette, and a public speaker.

Where and when was Harriet Tubman born?

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in the early 1820s on a plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland.

What was Harriet Tubman's original name and what was her childhood like?

Her original name was Araminta, also known as 'Minty.' As a child, she looked after her younger siblings, worked as a cleaner and nursemaid, and experienced harsh treatment and physical abuse.

How did Harriet Tubman's mother influence her?

Harriet's mother, Rit, influenced her by showing defiance against slavery, such as hiding her youngest son from being sold.

What was the impact of Harriet Tubman's head injury on her life?

The head injury caused her excruciating headaches, seizures, and narcoleptic episodes, but also visions and vivid dreams which she interpreted as messages from God.

How did Harriet Tubman's views on the Bible differ from those around her?

She preferred the Old Testament stories of enslaved people being freed over the New Testament's emphasis on obedience.

What was Harriet Tubman's experience with the Underground Railroad?

Harriet escaped slavery using the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists guiding escaped slaves to freedom, and later became a conductor, leading others to freedom.

What challenges did Harriet Tubman face under the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850?

The Fugitive Slave Law punished anyone aiding escapees and forced law enforcement to capture them, even in states where slavery was outlawed, forcing the Railroad to extend to Canada.

What was Harriet Tubman's role during the American Civil War?

She served the Union forces by nursing sick soldiers and refugees, working as a cook and laundress, and leading an armed expedition that liberated over 700 slaves.

How did Harriet Tubman contribute to the women's suffrage movement?

In her later years, she spoke out for women's rights and voting, joining suffragettes like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

What recognition did Harriet Tubman receive from Queen Victoria?

Queen Victoria recognized Harriet's contributions by sending her a silk shawl and a silver medal, which Harriet treasured.

What was Harriet Tubman's legacy and how is she remembered today?

Harriet Tubman is remembered as an icon and inspiration for freedom, justice, and equality. She has been the subject of various cultural works and was announced to be featured on the United States $20 bill.