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

1. Background on Slavery

1. Overview of

2. The Underground Railroad

1. Details of Tubman's escapes and rescues
2. Strategies and networks she utilized

3. Military Contributions

1. Her roles during the Civil War
...
…
2. Recap of Tubman's major achievements
3. Her lasting influence on American society

4. Call to Action

1. Encouragement to learn more about unsung heroes
2. 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 leading slaves to freedom, she navigated through danger with an almost supernatural intuition, often guided by her visions and dreams, which she believed were divine messages. Her work extended beyond the Underground Railroad; during the Civil War, she served as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army, further cementing her legacy as a pivotal figure in American history. This essay delves into the multifaceted life of Harriet Tubman, exploring how her actions not only changed the lives of those she saved but also shaped the narrative of freedom and justice in America.

Essay Body Examples

Paragraph 1

Harriet Tubman's involvement with the Underground Railroad was not merely an act of defiance but a strategic operation that required immense courage and meticulous planning. She made approximately 13 trips back to the South, guiding around 70 slaves to freedom. Her methods were ingenious; she used disguises, traveled at night, and relied on a network of abolitionists and safe houses. Tubman's ability to evade capture was legendary, often attributed to her deep spiritual beliefs and her intimate knowledge of the terrain. Her leadership was not just about physical liberation but also about instilling hope and a sense of agency among 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,…