The nineteenth century was a deciding point in the history of slavery in the United States. There are many crucial figures who helped immensely with this cause, yet not many have the story so dramatic as Harriet Tubman. With the recent increase in interest in her personality through numerous books and visual media, her character deserves a thorough examination. Harriet Tubman’s life history can serve as an example of a potential of a strong-willed woman in trying times. This paper will provide the analysis of Tubman’s life to examine her impact on the abolition of slavery and her contribution to fighting for equal rights.
Like many Black people in that era, Tubman began her life as a slave. Her grandmother was brought to the United States from Africa by Maryland’s plantation owners, and her mother remained enslaved for many years (Dunbar 19). From the early struggles that Tubman experienced to the deception of Tubman’s parents, the young girl’s experience with slavery was bound to set her on the path towards rebellion. Nonetheless, she remained enslaved for many years, suffering many traumas from beatings and accidents in the workplace (Dunbar 30). Eventually, one such trauma – a significant skull fracture from a tossed iron weight – made Tubman see visions that would be her starting point for action (Dunbar 33). Another driver was the lies to her mother by their owner that kept them illegally enslaved, which young Harriet discovered yet was unable to act upon (Dunbar 36). Being treated horribly for her entire life, Tubman eventually escaped and started her life as a fugitive.
The strong character of this woman indeed revealed itself during this period. Harriet was willing to risk everything she had not only to survive but to help others take their freedom. Her many trips back to slave plantations and slaver-owned farms helped numerous other Black people to begin new lives (Dunbar 65). Although she succeeded in freeing many slaves, her own two brothers eventually came back to plantations after being rescued (“Facts: Harriet Tubman”). Tubman participated in the creation of an extensive network of safe houses and guides known as the Underground Railroad, which helped many escapees to pass to Canada safely (“Facts: Harriet Tubman”). This exact set of connections made her a perfect candidate for a Union spy (Kettler). Through this job, Tubman was able to speed up the abolition of slavery by providing valuable information to the Union. While on duty, she strived to help in any way she could, becoming a nurse for the Union army, in addition to her scouting activities (Dunbar 98). It would have seemed that her cause was fulfilled with the abolition of slavery at the end of the Civil War.
Despite eventually getting less involved in the direct disruption of slavers’ businesses, Tubman continued to assist those who were at a disadvantage throughout her entire life. During that time, the biography of her life became a valuable target for many writers who learned the hardships Tubman went through (Dunbar 114). While she did marry, adopted a child, and settled in her own house, financial issues caused by the government’s oversights and disregard for the Black community pushed her towards activism once more (Dunbar 115). She got associated with the local suffrage movement and became a public figure in this community by advocating for women’s rights to vote (Dunbar 120). It was apparent that a calm, peaceful life is something that Harriet did not aim for, as she continued to make plans for the betterment of the lives of her people.
Religion played a crucial role in Tubman’s life, and it could have been the deciding factor in many of her heroic acts. The role of the Church in freeing the slaves of the United States is also apparent, as many believers helped escapees with shelter and passage, which influenced Harriet’s decisions as well (Levy). She considered her visions that appeared during her sleeping spells as a sign of God, who told her that she was destined to that life (“Facts: Harriet Tubman”). Tubman remained a strongly religious person, often finding answers by praying and relying on God when chances were against her. Moreover, Christianity took the central role in Tubman’s story at the end of her life. At that time, she was heavily affiliated with the AME Zion Church, to which she even donated a significant portion of her possessions (Dunbar 124). One of the last acts of self-sacrifice by this Black heroine led to the creation of one of the first homes for the aged, in which Tubman herself eventually succumbed to pneumonia (Dunbar 128). Her belief in God remained a strong motivator through all adversities she faced.
The work of Harriet Tubman’s life is evident in her heritage. Even in her death, Tubman thought of others, according to those who were present during her last moments, and this will lives on through many associations that fight for equal rights (Dunbar 130). Partially, this notion is achieved through comprehensive coverage of her life. While Tubman’s life came to an end, her story lives on. Her representation in media and society continues to stand as a shining example of a spiritually strong person who fights for their people’s rights (Hornik). Moreover, Tubman’s story has strong emotional ties with the lives of many modern immigrants who struggle to live as aliens (Hornik). Although there are gaps in the knowledge regarding Tubman’s life due to her illiteracy and poor writing of her biography by hired journalists in the late 1880s, she became a true American legend (Levy). Nowadays, Tubman’s biography might not be considered entirely historically accurate, as the person grew into a myth that fuels others’ faith (Levy). Tubman’s righteous rage that stemmed from slavery influenced many good deeds.
In conclusion, Harriet Tubman went through many challenges, many of which she chose on her own. She did not cease to fight against injustice until her death, proving that a Black woman is capable of changing history. Tubman’s legacy lies in the very core of the modern United States, as her activism touched the most severe social issues. Her will was an inspiration to many back in the nineteenth century, and it remains so during modern times. As America continues to struggle with equal rights, the meaning of Tubman’s actions remains essential for those who oppose it: harsh conditions create tough and strong-willed people. The biography of this person shows astoundingly brutal times when heroes such as Tubman were not born but molded by their environment. Tubman serves as an icon for many people, and her heritage lives in the actions of those who continue her fight.
Works Cited
Dunbar, Erica A. She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman. 37 Ink, 2019.
“Facts: Harriet Tubman.”Harriet Tubman.
Hornik, Susan. “Harriet Tubman: 4 Things to Consider About Her Life and the Movie ‘Harriet’.”Los Angeles Times, 2019.
Kettler, Sara. “Harriet Tubman’s Service As a Union Spy.”Biography, 2020.
Levy, Renee G. “Maxwell Perspective: The Truths Behind the Myth of Harriet Tubman.”The Maxwell School of Syracuse University.