Women in History Research Essay For this assignment you need ✓ Solved

For this assignment, you need to conduct scholarly research and write a 4-5 page essay about a significant person in American women’s history. The purpose of this assignment is to allow you to explore your own interests, as well as to strengthen your research and writing skills.

Your essay needs to revolve around a thesis statement that addresses why or how the person is significant in women’s history. Think through questions like this: How did the person contribute to a change in thinking about women’s role in American society? How did the person contribute to a social movement that helped advance women’s rights? In what ways is this person reflective of an important theme in women’s history?

Fulfill the basic requirements: 4-5 full pages, double-spaced, with citations to your research using MLA in-text citations. Use Times New Roman or Cambria Font, 11 or 12 pt. font size. A Works Cited page must be in proper MLA format. Present a clear thesis statement in the introduction to your essay and ensure a strong essay structure (introduction, focused paragraphs with topic sentences, conclusion). Ensure minimal or no grammar or punctuation mistakes.

Identify at least one scholarly book or at least two scholarly articles for your annotated bibliography. List sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name and include proper citation information (using MLA citations). Provide a brief summary and evaluation of each text, which should be a minimum of 100 words, not including the citation.

Paper For Above Instructions

Women have played significant roles throughout American history, often contributing to its evolution in ways that have been overlooked or underappreciated. One such woman is Harriet Tubman, known primarily for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Tubman’s contributions to American society extend far beyond her famous escape from slavery; her activism and dedication to the cause of freedom reflect a significant chapter in women's rights and the broader fight for civil rights in America.

Early Life and Context

Born into slavery in Maryland around 1820, Harriet Tubman was given the name Araminta Ross. She married a free Black man, John Tubman, and took on the name Harriet (meaning "of the home") in honor of her mother. Tubman's early life was marked by hardship, as she experienced the brutality of slavery firsthand, which sowed the seeds for her later activism (Sernett, 1999).

Escape from Slavery

Tubman escaped slavery in 1849, navigating treacherous terrain and employing various strategies to evade capture, including the North Star method to find her way to Pennsylvania (Krewson, 2016). Once free, she returned to the South multiple times to rescue family members and fellow slaves. This act of defiance was nothing short of revolutionary, as she risked her life and freedom for others, showcasing the strength and resilience attributed to women in her position.

Contribution to the Underground Railroad

As one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad, Tubman reportedly guided over 300 slaves to freedom. Her efforts were not only noteworthy for their scale but also for the sophisticated planning and network she established, making use of safe houses and sympathetic allies (Baker, 2005). Contrary to the simplistic narratives often presented, Tubman’s leadership was characterized by strategic thinking and bravery, embodying the key qualities of effective activism.

Role in the Civil War

During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as a spy and nurse, providing critical intelligence to Union forces. She played a significant role in the Combahee River Raid, which resulted in the liberation of over 700 enslaved people (DuBois, 2014). Tubman’s contributions during the war not only aided in military efforts but demonstrated women's capabilities in traditionally male-dominated spaces, reinforcing the need for gender equality even in times of conflict.

Post-War Advocacy

After the Civil War, Tubman continued her advocacy for women's rights, participating in suffrage movements alongside other notable activists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Giddings, 1988). Tubman's work in this arena is particularly significant because it connected the fight for racial equality with the pursuit of women's rights, illustrating an early intersectional approach to activism. Tubman's insistence on highlighting the struggles faced by both women and African Americans positioned her as a vital figure in the tapestry of American history.

Legacy and Recognition

Harriet Tubman's legacy remains relevant today, as she symbolizes the fight against oppression in all forms. Her life story reflects not only the horrors of slavery but also the enduring spirit of activism and resilience. The dedication of Tubman's life to the pursuit of freedom and justice serves as an inspiration for contemporary movements advocating for civil rights and women's rights (Lerner, 1998). Through her actions, Tubman has become an iconic figure, whose contributions have shaped narratives around both women's empowerment and racial justice in America.

Conclusion

In concluding, Harriet Tubman’s life exemplifies the significant role that women have played in American history, particularly in the realms of civil rights and social justice. Her escape from slavery, contributions to the Underground Railroad, and post-war activism underscore her dedication to the fight for equality. Tubman’s legacy challenges us to acknowledge the interconnectedness of various social justice movements and the crucial role that women have played in advancing these causes throughout history.

References

  • Baker, Jean H. Harriet Tubman: A Biography. New York: Hill and Wang, 2005.

  • DuBois, W.E.B. The Souls of Black Folk. New York: A.C. McClurg & Co, 2014.

  • Giddings, Paula. When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America. New York: HarperCollins, 1988.

  • Krewson, Ann. Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom. New York: Illustrated Edition, 2016.

  • Lerner, Gerda. The Creation of Feminist Consciousness: From the Middle Ages to 1870. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

  • Sernett, Milton C. Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., 1999.