Comparison Of The Civil War: Harriet Tubman And Frederick Douglass

Contrary to common misconceptions, the Civil War that occurred from 1861 to 1865 was not about slavery or about African American rights. The war was primarily about the northern desire of economic expansion which was in the way of the southern lifestyle. However, slavery was still a huge part of the war and the African Americans poured blood, sweat and tears into fighting for their rights and gaining their equality. Following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862, black soldiers were allowed to enlist in the war; however, the circumstances differed in different regions. Numerous slaves were able to escape their horrible lives due to influential figures such as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass who risked their lives in order to free fellow

She was known to be “Moses” to fellow slaves and she helped them in their trip to the North. The journey was tiring and exhausting since the fugitive slaves had to travel long distances by foot in the freezing cold with insufficient clothing (ErinC “Diary of a Black Slave”). However, they did not lack motivation. They bared the cold, the long distance and the hunger since they knew that the outcome would be worth it. They also had to be disguised because they didn’t want any slave catchers to notice them and take them back to their masters. Once they reached a “free state” or Canada, they were able to find work and pay. Even though they still had to work hard, they were happy since they were not forced to work; it was their own choice. After they escaped, some blacks joined Tubman’s Underground Railroad in order to free slaves and help them get to the North. The Underground Railroad was a secret network of escape routes that aided about 50,000 African American slaves find their escape. However, many ceased to take part in this organization after the Fugitive Slave Act was passed because it also punished people who helped fugitive slaves. No matter the circumstances, Tubman never refused to help rescue slaves. She continued to risk her life even when there was a $40,000 reward for her capture. As time passed, Canada was the only safe haven for the African Americans. Canada refused America’s request to send slave catchers in 1850