Summary
The passengers were people fleeing slavery. The destination was freedom. And the journey was far more dangerous than a ride on any train. Before the Civil War, tens of thousands of African Americans used the Underground Railroad to escape lives of slavery in the South. This secret network of escape routes and hiding places was established by abolitionists, activists who were committed to ending slavery. Aided by "conductors," the runaways traveled long distances in secret, stopping at "stations" on the way to northern states, Canada, and other places where they could live freely. Some conductors, like Harriet Tubman, had been enslaved themselves. They risked everything to keep the Underground Railroad running. They persevered even after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which made it illegal to help people escaping slavery. The issue of slavery continued to divide the country and eventually led to the Civil War. Press “play” to learn about the long and treacherous treks many endured to reach freedom.
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Underground Railroad:
- What is one new thing you learned about underground railroad?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining underground railroad.
- Draw or give one example of your own.