Bold Escape

This passage highlights the many ways enslaved people resisted slavery before and during the Civil War. Some escaped to the North using the Underground Railroad with leaders like Harriet Tubman guiding them. Others resisted by fighting back, slowing down work, or holding onto cultural traditions like songs and stories. Many joined the Union Army after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Their resistance and determination played a key role in reshaping American history.

Reading about resistance stories strengthens students’ ability to connect human experiences to broader historical events. The passage includes descriptive language that builds richer vocabulary. Students learn sequencing skills as they follow escape routes and resistance methods. It encourages empathy, which improves critical reading and comprehension. Finally, analyzing different strategies of resistance sharpens students’ ability to recognize themes and main ideas.