The Life and Legacy of Robert Smalls

Robert Smalls, born into enslavement in 1839, orchestrated a daring escape by commandeering a Confederate ship, the Planter, in 1862. He successfully navigated it to Union territory, securing freedom for himself and others. Smalls' bravery earned him recognition and a captaincy in the Union Navy, making him the first Black person to hold such a title. Post-war, he returned to South Carolina, purchased his former enslaver's home, and became a prominent political figure. He advocated for Black education and served in various political roles, including the U.S. Congress. His legacy is honored through national landmarks and recognition as a key figure in the Reconstruction era.

What was Robert Smalls' significant achievement at the age of 25?

• He became a captain in the Union Navy.

• He escaped slavery by stealing a Confederate ship.

• He established a school for Black children.

• He was elected to the U.S. Congress.

How did Smalls manage to sail the Planter past Confederate forts?

• By bribing the Confederate guards.

• By using a secret underwater route.

• By using his knowledge of naval signals and disguising as the captain.

• By waiting for a storm to cover his escape.

What was the outcome of Smalls' successful escape with the Planter?

• He was captured and returned to slavery.

• He was exiled to another country.

• He was immediately elected to political office.

• He was awarded by Congress and became a Union Navy captain.

What role did Smalls play in the Union Navy after his escape?

• He worked as a cook on a Union ship.

• He was named captain of the Planter and later commanded the Keokuk.

• He was a spy for the Union.

• He became a shipbuilder.

What was the Confederate response to Smalls' escape?

• They offered him a pardon.

• They placed a bounty on his head.

• They captured him immediately.

• They ignored it.

In which political body did Robert Smalls serve after the Civil War?

• The French National Assembly

• The British Parliament

• The South Carolina House of Representatives

• The Confederate Congress

What was one of Smalls' contributions to education?

• He established a school for Black children and served on the school board.

• He created a scholarship fund for Black students.

• He founded the first university for Black students in the U.S.

• He wrote a textbook on naval warfare.

What was one of Smalls' achievements in his political career?

• He was a Supreme Court justice.

• He was the governor of South Carolina.

• He became the first Black president of the United States.

• He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over a decade.

What recognition did Smalls' home receive in 1974?

• It was designated as a National Historic Landmark.

• It was sold to a private owner.

• It was turned into a museum.

• It was demolished to build a new school.

Who recognized Robert Smalls as a significant African-American politician during the Reconstruction era?

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt

• President George Washington

• President Abraham Lincoln

• President Barack Obama