The Underground Railroad was a physical, social, and political movement where individuals of African descent sought their own liberation. They were often aided by free people of color and white individuals, emphasizing the importance of movement in their quest for freedom. 1 The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states or Canada. This movement's purpose was to provide a means of escape and freedom for those seeking to break free from slavery. It hoped to achieve the liberation of enslaved individuals and contribute to the abolitionist cause. Many individuals were involved in the Underground Railroad, including free people of color, white abolitionists, …show more content…
The movement's lasting impacts include the rescue and liberation of countless enslaved individuals and the spread of abolitionist sentiments across the nation. This movement tied into Manifest Destiny by challenging the expansion of slavery into new territories and was influenced by the Second Great Awakening's emphasis on social reform and moral righteousness.2 The Underground Railroad operated in secrecy, with routes and safe houses carefully planned and hidden from slave catchers and authorities. Conductors, who were responsible for guiding and assisting escaped slaves, played a crucial role in the network's success. They would provide food, shelter, and transportation to the next safe location, often under the cover of darkness. The network of the Underground Railroad extended from the southern states, where slavery was legal, to the northern states and even into Canada, where slavery had been abolished. Escaped slaves would often travel long distances, facing numerous dangers and obstacles along the way, including the risk of being captured and returned to their owners. Despite these risks, many enslaved individuals were willing to take the chance for the hope of