Underground Railroad Basics
What was the Underground Railroad?
A secret network of safe houses and routes used to help enslaved people to escape to freedom
Who was Harriet Tubman?
A former enslaved woman and conductor on the Underground Railroad.
What is a “conductor” in the Underground Railroad?
A person who guided enslaved people along the escape routes.
What happened at Fort Sumter?
It was the first battle of the Civil War; no deaths; Union surrendered after 34 hours.
What does “abolitionist” mean?
A person who wants to end slavery.
What was the main goal of the Underground Railroad?
To help enslaved people escape to free states or Canada
What did Harriet Tubman do that made her famous?
She made over 13 trips and helped free at least 70 enslaved people.
What is a “station master”?
A person who provided a safe house (station) on the Underground Railroad.
Why is Fort Sumter important?
It marked the official start of the Civil War.
Why did enslaved people risk escaping?
To gain freedom and escape harsh, brutal lives.
What were "stations" on the Underground Railroad?
Safe places where enslaved people could rest, hide, and get supplies
Who was Frederick Douglass and how did he help the abolitionist cause?
He was a former enslaved person who became a famous writer and speaker; he also gave shelter and raised awareness.
How did the Fugitive Slave Act affect free Black people in the North?
It allowed them to be captured and returned to slavery even if they were free.
What made the Battle of Antietam historic?
It was the bloodiest single day in U.S. history with 23,000 casualties.
Why do you think people helped others even though it was dangerous?
They believed slavery was wrong and were willing to risk their safety for justice.
What did the "Fugitive Slave Act" make illegal?
Helping enslaved people escape or hiding them
Why is Sojourner Truth remembered if she wasn’t on the Underground Railroad?
She gave powerful speeches to fight for abolition and women’s rights.
What kind of risks did people take to help enslaved people escape?
Risk of arrest, fines, jail, or violence.
What was the Emancipation Proclamation, and how is it connected to Antietam?
Lincoln issued it after Antietam; it declared enslaved people in Confederate states free.
How did the government’s laws make the slavery debate worse?
The Fugitive Slave Act and compromises increased tension and conflict.
Why was the Underground Railroad kept secret?
Because helping enslaved people escape was illegal
Who was Levi Coffin and why was he called the “President of the Underground Railroad”?
A white abolitionist who helped over 3,000 enslaved people escape, mainly through Indiana and Ohio.
How did the U.S. Constitution avoid the issue of slavery?
It did not directly mention slavery to avoid conflict between Northern and Southern states.
Why was the Battle of Gettysburg a turning point in the Civil War?
It was a major Union victory that weakened the Confederacy; 51,000 casualties.
What does the bravery of people on the Underground Railroad say about their beliefs?
They had strong values, believed in freedom and equality, and were willing to take risks for others.