Harriet Tubman: A Brief Biography

Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and political activist. Born into slavery in the early 1820s in Dorchester County, Maryland, she escaped to freedom in the North in 1849. After gaining her own freedom, Tubman returned to the South numerous times to help other enslaved individuals escape to freedom through the network of safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She became known as the "Moses of her people" for her courageous efforts in leading others to freedom.

Key Accomplishments and Contributions

Harriet Tubman's most famous achievement was her role as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved individuals to escape to free states and Canada.
During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army. She also became the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war, guiding the Combahee River Raid that liberated more than 700 enslaved people.
After the war, Tubman continued her advocacy for civil rights and women's suffrage, and later in life, she worked to establish a home for elderly and indigent African Americans.

Legacy and Impact

Harriet Tubman's legacy is profound and enduring. She remains an iconic figure in American history, revered for her bravery, leadership, and commitment to social justice. Her life and contributions have inspired countless individuals and continue to be celebrated in various forms of art, literature, and public memorials.

Study Guide Questions

What was Harriet Tubman's role in the Underground Railroad?
How did Harriet Tubman contribute to the Civil War effort?
What were some of Harriet Tubman's post-war activities and advocacy efforts?
Why is Harriet Tubman considered an important historical figure in the fight for civil rights?
How has Harriet Tubman's legacy impacted American society and culture?

These study guide questions can help you better understand the life and impact of Harriet Tubman. Feel free to research and explore each question in detail to deepen your knowledge of this remarkable historical figure.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. Famous Americans

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Key people, events, and places associated with the history of the community, nation, and world.

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the Basic Values and Principles of American Democracy? Why is it important for Americans to share certain values, principles, and beliefs?

American identity: Students should be able to explain the importance of Americans sharing and supporting certain values, principles, and beliefs. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Describe holidays Americans celebrate and explain how they reflect their shared values, principles, and beliefs, e.g., the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Analysis and Interpretation

Compare different stories about a historical figure, era, or event.

Topic 3: The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the People from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage

How democratic values came to be, and how they have been exemplified by people, events, and symbols.

The student understands historic figures who have exemplified values and principles of American democracy.

Topic 4: The History of Peoples of Many Cultures Around the World

Major discoveries in science and technology, their social and economic effects, and the scientists and inventors responsible for them.

The student understands the development of technological innovations, the major scientists and inventors associated with them and their social and economic effects.

Harriet Tubman: A Brief Biography

Key Accomplishments and Contributions

Legacy and Impact

Study Guide Questions

[Harriet Tubman] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. Famous Americans

The resources above cover the following skills: