Escaping Slavery

Fighting Back Acted out with force: Fought Back in Subtle Ways: Lead Revolts Burned Crops Poisoned Their Masters Fought Back in Subtle Ways: Quietly Damaged Property Took Goods From Owners

Reward Posters Some slaves fought against slavery by trying to escape Owners offered HUGE rewards for the return of their slaves Most runaways were captured and returned to their owners Faced harsh punishment upon their return

Pathway to Freedom Thousands fled North where they got help along the Underground Railroad Not a real railroad, but a secret network of people, places and routes Led slaves to freedom in large cities and black communities.

Dangers Crossed Rivers Hiked through mountains Traversed through swamps Bounty Hunters Runaway slaves had to travel at night Some stowed away on boats, trains or wagons.

Assistance Free Blacks or Escaped Slaves helped slaves reach the North Sympathetic Whites also helped Many kept their involvement in the Underground Railroad a secret.

Harriet Tubman An escaped slave Returned to the South 19 times to help return others to freedom Video

Key Terms Stationmasters: Hid runaway slaves in their homes Conductors: Guided or transported slaves to the next safehouse Stockholders: Gave money, food or clothes to fugitive slaves

Fugitive Slave Law Law that required people to return any runaway slaves Anyone who was helping a runaway slave could be made to pay $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in prison Made it easier for slave catchers to capture runaway slaves in the North Video

Significance 100,000 slaves escaped thanks to the Underground Railroad Opened the eyes of those in the North Enraged Southerners who believed owning slaves was their right. Continued until the end of the Civil War in 1865.

Discussion Questions If you were a fugitive slave, what dangers might you expect to face? What kinds of people helped the runaway slaves? Why was the Underground Railroad important?