Harriet Tubman: A Life of Activism and Courage

Harriet Tubman's Life and Achievements

• Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and political activist who fought against slavery in the United States.
• She was a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

Underground Railroad

• Born into slavery, Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849 and then returned to the South multiple times to help others escape.
• She made a total of 19 trips and is estimated to have rescued around 70 enslaved individuals, including family members and friends.
• Tubman used her knowledge of the landscape and her ability to navigate by the stars to guide people to safety.
• Despite the dangers and risks involved, she never lost a single passenger on the Underground Railroad.

Civil War Service

• During the American Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army.
• She worked alongside soldiers and provided medical care to wounded soldiers.
• Tubman used her knowledge of the South and her experience as a former slave to gather intelligence for the Union Army.
• Her efforts were instrumental in planning successful military campaigns and rescuing enslaved people from Confederate-controlled areas.

Women's Suffrage

• After the Civil War, Tubman continued her activism by advocating for women's suffrage.
• She believed that women should have the right to vote and actively campaigned for this cause.
• Tubman attended suffrage conventions and gave speeches in support of women's rights.

Legacy

• Harriet Tubman's great achievements have left a lasting impact on American history.
• Her bravery, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity continue to inspire people around the world.
• In recognition of her contributions, Tubman has been honored in various ways, including the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland and the decision to feature her image on the new $20 bill.