Question

question 11 of 20

which statement best describes harriet tubmans contribution to the union war effort?

a. harriet tubman led a union raid that resulted in over 700 enslaved people being freed.
b. harriet tubman helped to enlist black soldiers.
c. harriet tubman became an army nurse and reached the rank of major.
d. harriet tubman spied for the union by posing as an enslaved person in the confederate white house.

Explanation:

Identify the core historical event

The question asks for the statement that best describes Harriet Tubman's contribution to the Union war effort. We need to evaluate her specific actions during the American Civil War, particularly her military leadership.

Evaluate the options based on historical evidence

• Option A states that she led a Union raid that resulted in over 700 enslaved people being freed. This refers directly to the Combahee River Raid in June 1863, where Tubman guided Union gunboats and troops, successfully liberating more than 700 enslaved individuals.
• Option B mentions enlisting Black soldiers. While she supported the Union, her primary, most distinctive military contribution was scouting and leading the raid.
• Option C claims she reached the rank of major. Tubman served as a nurse, scout, and spy, but she was not formally commissioned as an officer or given the rank of major.
• Option D claims she spied in the Confederate White House. This is historically inaccurate; Mary Bowser is the spy famously associated with infiltrating the Confederate White House in Richmond.

Select the best description

Option A is the most accurate and significant description of Harriet Tubman's direct contribution to the Union military campaign.

Answer:

• (A) Harriet Tubman led a Union raid that resulted in over 700 enslaved people being freed. (Correct answer)
• (B) Harriet Tubman helped to enlist Black soldiers.
• (C) Harriet Tubman became an army nurse and reached the rank of major.
• (D) Harriet Tubman spied for the Union by posing as an enslaved person in the Confederate White House.