HARRIET TUBMANHARRIET TUBMANConductor of the Conductor of the

Underground RailroadUnderground Railroad

ObjectivesObjectivesAfter completing this lesson, After completing this lesson,

we will be able towe will be able to …. ….

Understand the existence of Understand the existence of slavery in Americaslavery in America

Understand the life and Understand the life and escape of Harriet Tubmanescape of Harriet Tubman

Understand Harriet Tubman’s Understand Harriet Tubman’s role in the Underground role in the Underground RailroadRailroad

Slavery in the United Slavery in the United StatesStates

Slavery of African Slavery of African Americans in the United Americans in the United States began as early States began as early as 1500 when the first as 1500 when the first African Slaves were African Slaves were brought to the New brought to the New World by the Spanish.World by the Spanish.

““Abolitionist” Abolitionist” MovementMovementAbolitionist: Anyone who Abolitionist: Anyone who

was against slaverywas against slaveryAbolitionists included many Abolitionists included many

kinds of people: whites and kinds of people: whites and blacks, men and women, blacks, men and women, rich and poor, and religious rich and poor, and religious and non religious.and non religious.

The desire to be free….The desire to be free….

Ever since slaves were captured, Ever since slaves were captured, they have always tried to escape.they have always tried to escape.

The rise of the Abolitionist Movement The rise of the Abolitionist Movement made escape easier.made escape easier.

Harriet Tubman …Harriet Tubman …

Harriet Tubman was born into Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in 1821 in Dorchester slavery in 1821 in Dorchester County, MarylandCounty, Maryland

Harriet was one of 11 children. All of Harriet was one of 11 children. All of Harriet’s brothers and sisters, as well Harriet’s brothers and sisters, as well as their parents, were slaves on the as their parents, were slaves on the Maryland PlantationMaryland Plantation

Harriet’s Early Harriet’s Early Years…Years…

Harriet began work at age sixHarriet began work at age six Harriet was a poor housekeeper, so Harriet was a poor housekeeper, so

she was sent to work outside in the she was sent to work outside in the fieldsfields

At age seven, Harriet tried to At age seven, Harriet tried to escape. Harriet became tired and escape. Harriet became tired and hungry and returned to the hungry and returned to the plantation shortly after her escape.plantation shortly after her escape.

By 1861, the issue of slavery By 1861, the issue of slavery divided the entire nation. The divided the entire nation. The Civil War had begun.Civil War had begun.

Harriet’s EscapeHarriet’s Escape

In 1844, Harriet made the decision to In 1844, Harriet made the decision to escape.escape.

Harriet’s journey took her to the Harriet’s journey took her to the house of a trusted friend where she house of a trusted friend where she was given information about the next was given information about the next safe stop.safe stop.

By moving from safe house to safe By moving from safe house to safe house, Harriet made her way north to house, Harriet made her way north to freedom.freedom.