One of the discussed topics in Solomon’s book was that of the Underground Railroad. Discrimination has been going on for as long as there have been organized civilizations. But one that is most relevant to America (not to take anything away from what other groups have went through) is the enslavement of African Americans. Dating back to before the United States was declared a nation in 1776, the population has dealt with the horrible treatment of this specific group. Naturally, wanting to escape the places where they had virtually no rights, the evolvement of the Underground Railroad came to be.
At its height, from 1850-1860, this served as a route for where slaves could find secret houses and safe havens on their way to what they hoped to be a better life. Various figures are available as to how many were able to escape via this paths but most range from between 2,000 and 100,000 people. These routes prominently sent escapees from the south up the north, especially to the Ohio region and Canada. One historical person that arguable had the biggest impact on freeing thousands of people was Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery, Tubman ultimately escaped and became very vital in the evolution of these passages.
Before reading Solomon’s book, I was aware of what the Underground Railroad was. However, after reading and discussing it, I have to admit that I was pretty ignorant on the topic and its details before. Knowing about past history and events that have had an influence on our country are very important for everyone to be aware of. Knowledge will (or should) help continue our country to become closer and resolve any issues that are current today.
The Underground Railroad was one of the biggest movements not just in terms of Civil Rights, but is undoubtedly one of the biggest events ever. It helped save the lives of not just the 100,000 people that fled, but it impacted generations after generations, and showed a perseverance that many people can learn from today.
Why do you think so often the Underground railroad is not described as an elaborate system of resistance? What is the impact in representing the movement in this way? How does this compare to the historic memory as it relates to say the civil rights movement? What sort of power and agency is illustrated by Salomon?
ReplyDeleteThe Underground Railroad was a huge social movement. In class last Tuesday I was surprised to hear people actually visit the Underground Railroad as a tourist attraction. Considering how America has evolved from a completely racist country where Caucasian people thought they actually had the right to "own" another human being to the way it is today is wonderful. The Underground Railroad was a huge movement to proving how wrong slavery was. More than likely it saved many, many lives as well. Im sure if anyone had a chance to see this wonderful, historic sight they would feel moved by the importance that radiates from it.
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