What was John Rankin’s early background? How did this affect his antislavery work later in life?
What was the Underground Railroad? Why was it called this and how did it get this name? What was the significance of the lantern in the window?
What document, written by John Rankin, influenced the antislavery movement? Who was this document written to and what was its purpose?
How did the politics of the time affect John Rankin’s work? How many states were “free” and how many supported slavery?
What treatment did runaway slaves receive? Were those who protected slaves punished as well? Who was John P. Parker? What was his relationship to John Rankin?
Why do you think religion and the church were so important in the lives of free and enslaved blacks? What role do you think religion played in the lives of slaveholders and other proponents of slavery?
In addition to escaping or conducting armed rebellion, in what ways did enslaved blacks resist slavery? In what ways did free blacks struggle for full citizenship? In what ways were their efforts similar or different?
What impact do you think slavery had on white people who didn't own slaves? On those who did own slaves? Why might someone who wasn't a slaveowner support slavery? Why might someone be opposed to the spread of slavery, but not opposed to slavery itself?
Who was involved in the abolitionist movement? In what ways do you think abolitionists differed on the strategies and goals of their movement? Why do you think they disagreed?
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