1. The Underground Railroad
Canadian History

2. 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

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

5. Methods of Escape
Water routes
Roads
Baggage
Railway

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

7. 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

8. Movie: Race to Freedom