Harriet Tubman Essay

Total Length: 1810 words ( 6 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

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Essay Topic Examples



1. Harriet Tubman: The Underground Railroad Conductor:
    Explore Harriet Tubman's role in the Underground Railroad, detailing her multiple trips to the South to lead slaves to freedom, her methods of evasion, and the impact of her work on the abolitionist movement.

2. Harriet Tubman's Military Contributions:
    Discuss Harriet Tubman's service during the Civil War, including her roles as a nurse, spy, and scout for the Union Army, and how her military involvement shaped her legacy.

3. The Spiritual Life of Harriet Tubman:
    Analyze how Harriet Tubman's deep religious faith influenced her actions, her visions, and her leadership in both the Underground Railroad and her later life.

4. Harriet Tubman's Post-War Life and Advocacy:
    Examine Tubman's life after the Civil War, focusing on her advocacy for women's suffrage, her establishment of the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, and her efforts in social reform.

5. Harriet Tubman in Popular Culture:
    Investigate how Harriet Tubman has been portrayed in literature, film, and other media, and discuss the accuracy and impact of these representations on public perception.

Essay Title Examples



1. "The Indomitable Spirit of Harriet Tubman"

2. "Harriet Tubman: From Slavery to Freedom Fighter"

3. "The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: Beyond the Underground Railroad"

4. "Harriet Tubman: A Beacon of Hope and Courage"

5. "The Many Faces of Harriet Tubman: Abolitionist, Nurse, Spy"

Essay Hook Examples



1. "Imagine risking your life repeatedly to save others, with no guarantee of success or safety. This was the reality for Harriet Tubman."

2. "Harriet Tubman didn't just escape slavery; she turned back to lead others to freedom, embodying the true spirit of heroism."

3. "In an era where freedom was a distant dream for many, Harriet Tubman made it a reality for hundreds."

4. "Harriet Tubman's life reads like a novel, filled with daring escapes, covert operations, and a relentless fight for justice."

5. "What does it take to change the course of history? For Harriet Tubman, it was courage, faith, and an unwavering commitment to freedom."

Thesis Statement Examples



1. "Harriet Tubman's leadership in the Underground Railroad not only facilitated the escape of hundreds of slaves but also significantly influenced the abolitionist movement in America."

2. "Through her roles as a nurse, spy, and scout during the Civil War, Harriet Tubman demonstrated that her fight for freedom extended beyond the Underground Railroad, impacting the war's outcome."

3. "Harriet Tubman's spiritual convictions were not just a source of personal strength but also a guiding force in her public actions, shaping her legacy as a moral leader."

4. "Post-Civil War, Harriet Tubman's advocacy for women's rights and her establishment of homes for the elderly reflect her lifelong commitment to social justice and community welfare."

5. "The portrayal of Harriet Tubman in popular culture often simplifies her complex legacy, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of her contributions to American history."

Essay Outline Examples



I. Introduction


Background on Slavery



Overview of slavery in the United States during the 19th century


Introduction to Harriet Tubman's early life



Thesis Statement



Harriet Tubman's multifaceted role in American history


Her impact on the abolitionist movement and beyond




II. Body


The Underground Railroad



Details of Tubman's escapes and rescues


Strategies and networks she utilized



Military Contributions



Her roles during the Civil War


Impact on the Union's war efforts



Post-War Advocacy



Involvement in women's suffrage


Establishment of the Harriet Tubman Home




III. Conclusion


Summary of Contributions



Recap of Tubman's major achievements


Her lasting influence on American society



Call to Action



Encouragement to learn more about unsung heroes


Reflection on the importance of individual action in social change




Essay Introduction Examples



Introduction Paragraph 1


Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, was not just a figure of history but a beacon of hope and courage. Born into slavery, her life was marked by hardship from the very beginning. She suffered physical abuse, was separated from her family, and endured the brutal conditions of plantation life. However, Harriet's spirit was unbroken. Her early experiences with the harsh realities of slavery ignited a fierce determination to seek freedom not only for herself but for others. After escaping to Philadelphia in 1849, she could have lived a life of relative safety, but instead, she chose to return to the South multiple times, risking her life to lead others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. This network of secret routes and safe houses was her tool, but her courage, strategic mind, and deep faith were her true weapons.
Harriet Tubman's story is not just one of personal liberation but of collective emancipation, making her an emblematic figure in the fight against slavery.

Introduction Paragraph 2


Harriet Tubman's life story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one individual can have on the course of history. Born into the shackles of slavery, she transformed her personal struggle into a broader mission for freedom. Her escape from Maryland to Philadelphia was just the beginning. Tubman's subsequent journeys back into the lion's den of the South to rescue others were acts of extraordinary bravery. Known as "Moses" for her role in…

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…those she rescued, teaching them to navigate their own paths to freedom.

Paragraph 2


During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman's role expanded significantly. She served as a nurse, caring for wounded soldiers, both black and white, showcasing her commitment to humanity beyond racial lines. Her work as a scout and spy for the Union Army was equally impactful. Tubman led a raid at Combahee Ferry, where she helped liberate over 700 slaves. Her intelligence gathering was crucial, providing the Union with strategic advantages. Her military contributions were not just about aiding the Union's cause but also about proving the capabilities and loyalty of African Americans, challenging the prevailing prejudices of the time.

Essay Conclusion Examples



Conclusion 1


Harriet Tubman's life was a profound narrative of courage, faith, and relentless pursuit of justice. Her legacy is not confined to the Underground Railroad or her wartime efforts; it extends into her advocacy for women's rights and her establishment of homes for the elderly. Tubman's story teaches us that individual action can ignite widespread change. Her life challenges us to reflect on our own roles in the fight for equality and justice. As we remember Harriet Tubman, we are reminded that freedom is not given but won through persistent struggle and collective effort.

Conclusion 2


In conclusion, Harriet Tubman's contributions to American history are monumental. From her daring rescues on the Underground Railroad to her strategic roles in the Civil War, she embodied the spirit of resistance and liberation. Her post-war life, dedicated to social reform and care for the marginalized, further illustrates her commitment to a broader vision of freedom. Harriet Tubman's legacy is a call to action for all of us to continue the work she started, to fight against oppression in all its forms, and to remember that the path to justice is often fraught with peril but is always worth the journey.

In-Text Citation Examples



In-Text Citation Examples


In-text citation examples:

1. Harriet Tubman's early life was marked by hardship and resilience, as detailed by Larson (Larson 12).

2. According to Humez, Tubman's spiritual beliefs were a significant driving force behind her actions (Humez 45).


Sources Used:

1. Larson, Kate Clifford. Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero. Ballantine Books, 2004.

2. Humez, Jean M. Harriet Tubman: The Life and the Life Stories. University of Wisconsin Press, 2003.

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