40+ paper examples, study guides & outlines
Harriet Tubman is one of the most significant figures in American history, and students across disciplines — including history, African American studies, women's studies, and social justice courses — are frequently asked to write about her life and legacy. Born into slavery in Maryland, Tubman escaped bondage and became one of the most active conductors of the Underground Railroad, earning the name "Moses of Her People." Her story raises compelling academic questions about resistance, freedom, gender, and the brutal realities of slavery in antebellum America. Sarah Bradford's biographical work Harriet Tubman: The Moses of Her People is a primary source that appears directly in student research and offers a foundational account of her experiences.
Student papers on this topic approach Tubman's life from several angles. Biographical and thematic essays trace her journey from slavery in Maryland to her role as a freedom leader. Other papers situate her within broader contexts, including the abolition movement, the Underground Railroad, and the evolving social roles of women during the Civil War era. Some essays take a more critical or evaluative approach, examining how figures like Tubman are represented — or underrepresented — in educational materials and textbooks, raising questions about gender and racial inclusion in how history is taught.
A strong essay on Harriet Tubman requires a focused thesis that moves beyond biography toward a clear argument — about her historical impact, her symbolic significance, or her place within a larger movement. Evidence drawn from primary sources and period accounts carries particular weight. The most common pitfall to avoid is writing a purely chronological summary; instead, connect the events of her life to wider historical forces and enduring questions about freedom and justice.