The Remarkable Journey of Robert Smalls, From Slavery to Statesman

Robert Smalls, born into slavery in South Carolina, became a hero of the Civil War by executing a daring escape on the CSS Planter. He disguised himself and navigated through Confederate checkpoints to reach Union waters, securing freedom for himself and his family. Later, he returned to buy the house where he was born a slave, becoming a prominent figure in America.

What was Robert Smalls' initial goal regarding his family's freedom?

• To escape alone and return later

• To buy freedom for his entire family

• To wait for the end of slavery

• To negotiate with his master for freedom

What was the name of the Confederate boat Robert Smalls worked on?

• CSS Alabama

• CSS Virginia

• CSS Monitor

• CSS Planter

How did Robert Smalls manage to pass through Confederate checkpoints?

• By using a secret map

• By hiding in the cargo hold

• By bribing the guards

• By disguising himself and using hand signals

What significant action did Smalls take towards the end of his life?

• He wrote a book about his life

• He moved to the North permanently

• He became a ship captain

• He returned to his birthplace and bought the house

What transformation did Robert Smalls undergo during his lifetime?

• From a teacher to a lawyer

• From a soldier to a politician

• From a slave to a prominent American figure

• From a farmer to a businessman