Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad Flashcards
What was the code phrase that was used to identify fleeing slaves with the abolitionists who would help them?
A friend of a friend
What was Dr. Ross’ crime according to the colonel?
He was an abolitionist
At the beginning of the movie, the character named Joe had his ankle smashed with a sledge hammer. Why?
He tried to run away but wasn’t because the master wanted him to set an example for the other slaves.
What was the name of the law that made it legal to hunt down escaped slaves and return them their masters?
The Fugitive Slave Act 1850
Why was Mini (the girl in the swamp) so angry with Sarah? What was the root of her anger?
Sarah was tired and holding everyone back. Sarah was the masters favorite so she wasn’t used to hard work.
What are some of the ways slaves travelled on their journey to Canada?
Running, hiding in wagons, taking trains, hiding in cargo, mailing themselves by boat
What is the job of a bounty hunter?
To hunt down slaves and either bring them back whole or and ear if they were found dead for a sum of money.
Why don’t most slaves know the whereabouts of their parents or children?
Because when slaves misbehave they can either punish them or sell them away from their family.
Why was the black bounty hunter, Solomon referred to as an “Uncle Tom” by other black, especially by the escaping slaves?
Because he was turning in his own people in order to cozy up the white people for his own freedom.
After Dr. Ross purchased Thomas’ freedom from the slave auction, Thomas taught Dr. Ross the proper way for a slave master to treat his slave. For example, a slave is never supposed to look in his masters eye. Why?
Because you might see something you wouldn’t like. After that you wouldn’t be able to treat him the same anymore.
In the scene where the judge comes home to find his own wife has been helping slaves escape by being a pert of the underground railroad the judge gets really upset and says that he could be thrown in jail for breaking the same law he is supposed to be upholding. What rationale reason does the judge’s wife give for helping the salves?
She said that god said “Feed the hungry, clothe the naked and take care of those in need”. Also implying that while her husband follows the governments rules she follows gods rules.
After Sarah had been reunited with Thomas in Canada, she still feels scared. Why was that?
Because she was running for so long and her mind is still in running mode and her mind doesn’t seem free.
What was the significance of the bell, which has been donated by the citizens of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh?
It was a symbol; of their journey for freedom and to remind them of everyone who was part of their journey.
Give 5 facts on Harriet Tubman
- Harriet Tubman was born as a slave in Maryland in the U.S.
- She escaped to Canada West where she became involved in the Underground Railroad, helping other slaves escape.
- Between 1850 and 1860, she made 19 secret trips to the American South.
- She helped approximately 70 people reach freedom in Canada West.
- Slave owners put a bounty of $40 000 (the equivalent of $750 000 today) on her head. Anyone capturing her could claim the
bounty when they turned her over to the police.
