Harriet Tubman, also known as "Moses of her people," left a lasting impact on American history. Her work stretched beyond her role as an essayist in the Underground Railroad due to her unwavering belief in freedom and equality. Tubman faced challenges that most people could hardly imagine, yet her spirit helped her to overcome them. She was a fierce defender of slaves, a strong supporter of women's and African Americans' rights, a spy during the Civil War, and a selfless helper of others, much like Moses, who led his people from slavery to freedom. Tubman was a determined and fair woman whose strong principles guided her actions. She was a shining light and a rule breaker who wasn't afraid to challenge the norms of a society that was biased.
The Enslaved Existence: Harriet Tubman's Early Life
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery around 1820, was a fearless woman who later became a symbol of courage and freedom. Raised on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Harriet's early life was marked by brutal treatment, constant fear, and deep sorrow due to the loss of many family members to the slave trade.
At the age of 12, she was seriously injured by a metal weight thrown by an enraged overseer, causing her to suffer from seizures and severe headaches for the rest of her life. Despite the hardships, young Harriet grew up strong and resilient, with an unbreakable will to be free. Her faith in God was a guiding light in the darkness, inspiring her to escape slavery and later organize daring rescue missions to lead hundreds of slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
Harsh Realities: The Brutality of Harriet Tubman's Life as a Slave
She was born into slavery, where people were treated worse than property. Listen to her accounts of whippings and beatings, which were common among slaves. Tubman also suffered a major head injury from a metal weight thrown at her by a furious slave owner. This trauma caused her constant extreme headaches and bouts of narcolepsy. Regardless of her own pain, Tubman showed great bravery, power, and steady resolve.
Longing for Freedom: Harriet Tubman's Awakening Towards Abolitionism
Through her own experiences of slavery, she became passionate about ending this horrible practice. Harriet Tubman learned from a young age about the harsh conditions of this system that treated people like objects. This drove her to want freedom passionately and led to her brave role in the movement to end slavery. Her commitment didn't happen all at once but developed over time through her experiences. Let her refusal to accept oppression motivate you. She not only wanted her own freedom but also guided hundreds of slaves towards freedom. Even though her life was often threatened, Harriet Tubman stayed strong.
Journey to Freedom: Tubman's Escape to the North
She didn't simply move from the South to the North. Rather, she pursued liberation from the harsh chains of slavery, seeking personal freedom and that of her people. She was born as a slave in Maryland, where she faced hardship and cruelty. Yet, she longed for freedom for herself and others. Using her strong will and experiences, she planned and escaped to the North—a place known for liberty and equality.
Make your escape carefully, considering the dangers at every step. Using the secret paths of the Underground Railroad and safe houses, she led slaves to safety, much like Moses leading his people to their freedom. Tubman's courage, intelligence, and determination struck a powerful blow against slavery and improved the sense of freedom and pride for African-Americans.
Her breakout wasn't just a single act of resistance. It marked the beginnings of her wider mission—to free others stuck in servitude. Living up to her 'Moses' name, Tubman went back to the South nineteen times, saving about 300 slaves, including her own family.
Leading Others to Freedom via the Underground Railroad
history. She's famous for helping enslaved African Americans escape via the Underground Railroad, a network comprised of both Black and white individuals who opposed slavery. They aided slaves in fleeing from the southern states to free states in the north. Tubman was born into slavery, but she escaped and earned her freedom. She didn't stop there, though.
Tubman risked her life numerous times to return south and escort others to freedom, much like Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Hence, she earned her nickname. Tubman showed great bravery and creativity on her mission. She led around 19 trips into slave-owning states, helping over 300 slaves escape. She used smart tricks like travelling at night, using decoys, and singing spiritual songs. Use your cleverness to evade capture, just like Tubman did. Tubman continued fighting for freedom even after slavery ended. She worked as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. After the war, she advocated for women's voting rights, another major fight for freedom in the U.S.
Warrior and Activist: Tubman's Role in the Civil War and Women's Suffrage
She was a standout in the Underground Railroad and served as a fighter and activist during the Civil War and the Women's Suffrage Movement. Look at her Civil War contribution, where she worked as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army. Her deep knowledge of secret escape routes, learned through the Underground Railroad work, was very helpful. She carried out secret missions, giving critical details to Union officers and helping in important fights like the Combahee River Raid, which freed more than 700 slaves. Besides her Civil War work, Tubman was a firm supporter of women's voting rights.
Even before and after the Civil War, she was an active part of this movement. She went around the Northeast, talking not just about her Underground Railroad experience but also promoting women's right to vote. Her struggle was not only against slavery but also for gender equality. Remember Harriet Tubman for her courage and determination in these aspects of her life. She risked her own life to free many people from slavery. As an 'activist,' she worked hard for women's voting rights, driven by her strong belief in equality.
The Concluding Thoughts
She did what seemed impossible, guiding her people away from slavery, similar to Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Stand strong and fight for what's right, just as Tubman did against slavery, showing heroism during the civil war and persistently promoting civil rights. Her strong commitment to freedom and equality is still an inspiration today. Tubman's story of courage and kindness serves as a lasting beacon of hope, showing that with a strong spirit and passion for justice, we can truly create change.
70
