Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War. She was born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s and escaped to freedom in the North in 1849. Tubman is best known for her work as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses and routes that helped enslaved people escape to free states and Canada.

Early Life and Escape from Slavery

Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822. She endured the hardships of slavery from an early age and suffered physical abuse at the hands of her enslavers. In 1849, Tubman escaped from slavery, making her way to Philadelphia and later settling in New York. Her own escape fueled her determination to help others find freedom.

Underground Railroad and Abolitionist Work

After her own escape, Tubman made numerous dangerous journeys back to the South to lead other enslaved individuals to freedom. She became one of the most well-known conductors on the Underground Railroad, making at least 13 missions and rescuing approximately 70 enslaved people. Tubman's bravery and ingenuity made her a legendary figure in the fight against slavery.

Civil War and Later Life

During the Civil War, Tubman worked for the Union Army as a nurse, scout, and spy. She played a key role in planning and executing a raid that liberated over 700 enslaved people in South Carolina. After the war, Tubman continued her humanitarian work, advocating for women's suffrage and the rights of African Americans. She also established a home for elderly and indigent African Americans.

Legacy

Harriet Tubman's legacy as a fearless liberator and activist for human rights endures to this day. She is an iconic figure in American history, and her contributions to the abolitionist movement and the Civil War continue to inspire people around the world.

For further information and resources, you can visit the official Harriet Tubman website.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Ancient Israel

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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 historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures (e.g., the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, the development of technology, the rise of modern nation-states, and the establishment and breakdown of colonial systems).

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

World History Content Standards

Era 2: Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples, 4000-1000 BCE

The major characteristics of civilization and how civilizations emerged in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley.

The student understands how Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley became centers of dense population, urbanization, and cultural innovation in the fourth and third millennia BCE.

The student understands how commercial and cultural interactions contributed to change in the Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Nile regions.

Major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000-1000 BCE.

The student understands major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000 to 1000 BCE.

Era 3: Classical Traditions, Major Religions, and Giant Empires, 1000 BCE-300 CE

Innovation and change from 1000-600 BCE horses, ships, iron, and monotheistic faith.

The student understands the emergence of Judaism and the historical significance of the Hebrew kingdoms.

Harriet Tubman

Early Life and Escape from Slavery

Underground Railroad and Abolitionist Work

Civil War and Later Life

Legacy

[Harriet Tubman] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Ancient Israel

The resources above cover the following skills: