Harriet Tubman was born into slavery as Harriet Ross, around 1819 in Maryland. For her work as an Underground Railroad conductor, during which she freed many slaves, she is affectionately known as the "Moses of Her People." She was thus a type of savior who slaves hoped would rise to set them free (Library of Congress). Her extraordinary spirit and courage served as an inspiration not only for the slaves at the time, but also for many who would learn of her life many years afterwards.

As a slave, Harriet Tubman's life was one of regular abuse and unremitting hardship. At the age of 13 for example, her attempt to save a fellow slave from punishment was rewarded with a blow to the head with a two-pound iron weight (Civil War Biographies). This resulted in periodic blackouts for the rest of her life, although Harriet did not let this deter...
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