What did Harriet Tubman think about slavery? Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist and political activist, had a profound and complex perspective on the institution of slavery. Born into slavery herself, Tubman’s experiences and her unwavering commitment to freedom shaped her views on the morality and inhumanity of slavery. Her thoughts on the subject were deeply rooted in her personal history and her unwavering dedication to the cause of abolition.
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, in 1822. She was just a child when she experienced the harsh realities of slavery firsthand. Despite the oppressive conditions she faced, Tubman never wavered in her belief that freedom was a fundamental human right. Her thoughts on slavery were shaped by her own experiences of suffering and by the countless others who endured similar hardships.
Harriet Tubman viewed slavery as an absolute evil, a moral and ethical abomination. She believed that the institution was inherently wrong and that it violated the very essence of human dignity. Tubman’s perspective was not just based on her personal suffering but also on her empathy for others who were enslaved. She saw slavery as a system designed to dehumanize and degrade, stripping individuals of their rights and dignity.
Tubman’s commitment to abolition was unwavering, and she dedicated her life to fighting against slavery. She became one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North or Canada. Her role in the Underground Railroad was not just a means of survival for herself but also a testament to her belief in the inherent worth of every human being.
Harriet Tubman’s thoughts on slavery were also influenced by her religious beliefs. She was a devout Christian, and her faith played a significant role in her fight against the institution. Tubman believed that God had called her to liberate her fellow slaves, and she saw her work as a divine mission. Her religious convictions gave her the strength and determination to overcome the immense risks and dangers associated with her efforts to free others.
Tubman’s views on slavery were further reinforced by her experiences during the Civil War. She served as a spy and a nurse for the Union Army, using her knowledge of the South and her courage to aid the cause of freedom. Her role in the war solidified her belief that slavery was a national sin that needed to be eradicated.
In conclusion, Harriet Tubman’s thoughts on slavery were deeply rooted in her personal experiences and her unwavering commitment to freedom. She saw slavery as an evil that needed to be abolished, and she dedicated her life to fighting against it. Tubman’s views on the institution were shaped by her empathy for others, her religious beliefs, and her determination to liberate her fellow slaves. Her legacy as an abolitionist and her unwavering stance against slavery continue to inspire people around the world to this day.