The Underground Railroad Canadian History

Slavery: Overview In the southern USA, cotton was the main agricultural product in the 19th Century. Most was grown on large plantations that used black slave labour Slaves were private property Because slavery was abolished in British colonies in 1833, British North America became a haven for American slaves

Underground Railroad: Definition A secret transportation network that conveyed fugitive slaves from the southern US to Upper Canada (Ontario) & sometimes to Nova Scotia

Methods of Escape Water routes Roads Baggage Railway

Conditions of Escape Night travelling Hiding during the day Pursued by slave owners, sheriffs, slave catchers Little food Swamps & forests American Fugitive Slave Law

Fugitive Slave Law By law every American was required to return runaway slaves to their rightful owner Fugitives dared to show their face to no one Many people defied the law & helped the slaves to safety Abolitionists: supported the cause to end slavery

Movie: Race to Freedom