The Secret Paths to Freedom: The Underground Railroad
In the years before the American Civil War (which started in 1861), slavery was legal in the southern United States. Millions of African American people were forced to work without pay, and they had no freedom. They were treated very cruelly. Many enslaved people dreamed of escaping to freedom in the northern states or Canada, where slavery was illegal.
But escaping was incredibly dangerous. If caught, they would be beaten, or even killed, and returned to their enslavers. Despite the great risks, many brave people tried to escape. They found help from a secret network called the "Underground Railroad."
The Underground Railroad was not a real railroad with trains. It was a secret system of safe houses, hidden routes, and brave people who helped enslaved people travel north. These helpers were called "conductors." They included Black and white people, some who had been enslaved themselves, and others who believed slavery was wrong.
One of the most famous conductors was Harriet Tubman. She had escaped slavery herself and then returned to the South many times, risking her life to lead over 300 other enslaved people to freedom. She was known as "Moses" because she led her people out of bondage, just like Moses in the Bible. She traveled at night, using the stars to guide her, and she was never caught.
The "stations" on the Underground Railroad were safe places where escaping people could hide, rest, and get food. These stations were often homes, churches, or barns, usually far apart to make the journey longer but safer. People who owned these safe houses were called "stationmasters." They kept their activities secret, because helping enslaved people escape was against the law.
The journey was long and hard. Escaping people often walked hundreds of miles, sometimes through forests, swamps, and mountains. They faced hunger, cold, fear, and the constant danger of being discovered by slave catchers. Children, families, and even older people made this journey, driven by the hope of a free life.
The Underground Railroad operated from the late 1700s until the Civil War. It is estimated that tens of thousands of enslaved people found freedom through this network. It was a powerful example of courage, cooperation, and the human desire for liberty. The brave individuals who risked everything to help others showed the world the true meaning of compassion and resistance against injustice. Their secret paths truly led to freedom.
Vocabulary List
Here are important words from the article that can help you understand it better. Try to guess their meaning from the story first, then check the definitions.
-
Slavery
A system where people are owned by others and forced to work without pay or freedom.Example: In the past, **slavery** was common in some parts of the world.
-
Enslaved people
People who are forced into slavery.Example: Many **enslaved people** risked their lives for freedom.
-
Cruelly
In a way that causes pain or suffering to others.Example: The animals were treated **cruelly**.
-
Escaping
Getting away from a dangerous or unpleasant place.Example: They were **escaping** from the burning building.
-
Network
A system of connected people or things.Example: The internet is a global **network** of computers.
-
Conductors
People who guided enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad.Example: Harriet Tubman was a brave **conductor**.
-
Stations
Safe houses or hiding places along the Underground Railroad.Example: The secret **stations** provided food and rest.
-
Stationmasters
People who owned or managed the safe houses.Example: The **stationmasters** risked their own safety to help.
-
Bondage
The state of being a slave or being held against one's will.Example: They fought to free themselves from **bondage**.
-
Compassion
A feeling of sympathy and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.Example: Showing **compassion** is important for a good society.
-
Resistance
The refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.Example: There was strong **resistance** to the new laws.
-
Injustice
Lack of fairness or justice.Example: They protested against social **injustice**.
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the article "The Secret Paths to Freedom: The Underground Railroad."
- What was the "Underground Railroad"?
- Who was Harriet Tubman, and what was her nickname?
- What were "conductors" and "stationmasters" on the Underground Railroad?
- Why was escaping slavery so dangerous?
- How did enslaved people travel on the Underground Railroad?
- About how many enslaved people found freedom through this network?
- What did the Underground Railroad show the world, according to the article?