How Did Harriet Tubman Contribute To Canada

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Harriet Tubman was inspiring and motivating for the escaping slaves she helped lead to freedom. In December of 1851, Harriet had a plan to take some slaves to Canada (Petry 132). She planned to take 11 fugitives, which would end up being the largest group of slaves she ever conducted (Petry 133). Harriet had never been to Canada, so the route was unfamiliar to her. 134. See also the Petry>. As the group walked, she told the slaves stories of her own first flight (Petry 135). Their advance was slow-moving (Petry 135). It took them three nights to get to their first destination (Petry 134). During their excursion Harriet promised them good food as she distracted them by telling them about their new life (Petry 135). After not having a successful first stop, they spent the night hungry, and cold, walking further distances to reach their destination (Petry 135). …show more content…
Before knocking on the door, Harriet compelled the slaves to hide behind trees for safety (Petry 137). After saying the code word “A friend with friends”, the man let in all 11 slaves, giving them food, and a warm place to spend the night (Petry 138). The following day was a struggle for the slaves as they felt safe in the place in the man's house, but they left with hesitation (Petry 138). As they went on in their journey, Harriet encouraged them by sharing stories of William and Ellen Craft and their escape from Georgia (Petry 140). She also brought up Fredrick Douglass, who is one of the most well known escaped slaves (Petry 140). Having spent so long on their escape journey, the slaves became tired and afraid. Having no hope left, one of the slaves exclaimed “Let me go back. It is better to be a slave than suffer like this in order to be free” (Petry