Robert Smalls: Life and Legacy

Robert Smalls was born into slavery in South Carolina. He worked in Charleston, where he met his wife, Hannah. During the Civil War, Smalls orchestrated a daring escape by commandeering a Confederate steamboat, the Planter, and delivering it to the Union. He met President Lincoln, who was impressed by his bravery. After the war, Smalls bought his former master's house, served in the Union Navy, and became a politician, advocating for African American rights. He helped establish public schools in South Carolina and served in Congress, leaving a legacy of courage and forgiveness.

What did Robert Smalls' mother teach him about living in slavery?

• To escape as soon as possible

• To accept his fate as a slave

• To live in slavery but not be a slave

• To rebel against his masters

What was Robert's main goal while working in Charleston?

• To save money to buy freedom

• To become a ship captain

• To travel the world

• To become a hotel manager

What was Robert Smalls' role on the steamboat Planter?

• Cook

• Wheelman

• Engineer

• Captain

How did Robert Smalls and his crew manage to escape on the Planter?

• By overpowering the guards

• By sneaking aboard and sailing away at night

• By disguising themselves as Confederate soldiers

• By bribing the captain

What was the significance of Robert Smalls' escape on the Planter?

• It was the first successful slave escape by sea

• It provided valuable intelligence to the Union

• It was a symbolic act of defiance against the Confederacy

• It led to the end of the Civil War

What did Robert Smalls suggest to President Lincoln?

• To abolish slavery in all states

• To end the Civil War immediately

• To negotiate with the Confederates

• To allow black men to fight for the Union

What significant action did Robert take with his reward money?

• He donated it to charity

• He bought a ship

• He started a business

• He purchased his former master's house

What was one of Robert Smalls' contributions to South Carolina as a politician?

• Founding a university

• Building new roads

• Establishing the first public school systems

• Creating a new state constitution

How did Robert Smalls demonstrate forgiveness later in life?

• By writing a letter of apology

• By donating to Confederate causes

• By inviting his former master's wife to live with him

• By freeing his former master's slaves

What did Robert Smalls reflect on as the true freedom his mother spoke of?

• Freedom from physical chains

• Freedom to own property

• Freedom of heart and spirit

• Freedom to travel