Unit 9: Lecture 2 The Underground Railroad Mr. Smith 8 th grade U.S. History January 10 th & 11th

The Underground Railroad While many individuals tried to end slavery by campaigning for laws, some individuals were more aggressive. Some became conductors on the Underground Railroad Others helped the conductors (in the South or North) Route by foot, wagon, boat, and/or train Several different routes…no single route

The Underground Railroad (CONT) Underground Railroad –A series of above ground escape routes from the South to the North Runaway slaves traveled on it by night and hid during the day –Stables, attics, cellars, geographical obstacles While life in the North would be better for a runaway slave, it still was not perfect –Most free blacks were unskilled and had to compete with other immigrants for jobs –Free African Americans were not allowed to vote

Harriet Tubman The most famous Underground Railroad conductor –Born a slave in Maryland –Brain injury suffered from a beating –Discovered she was going to be sold and instead she escaped

Harriet Tubman (CONT) Made numerous trips back to free slaves –Also freed her parents She carried a gun as she stated she would never go back to slavery –Gun was also used for those wanting to ‘chicken out’…everyone who started her Underground Railroad journey traveled to the end Carried medicine for those who might get sick Enemies offered $40,000 for her capture, but it never happened