The remarkable journey of Robert Smalls, from slavery to statesman

Robert Smalls, born into slavery in South Carolina, aspired to buy his family's freedom. In 1862, he executed a daring escape by commandeering the CSS Planter, a Confederate ship, and sailing it to Union waters. Disguised as the captain, Smalls navigated past Confederate checkpoints to secure freedom for himself and his family. Later, he returned to purchase 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 to the North alone

• To buy freedom for his entire family

• To work for his freedom

• To join the Confederate army

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

• CSS Alabama

• CSS Planter

• CSS Monitor

• CSS Virginia

How did Robert Smalls manage to pass through the Confederate checkpoints?

• By hiding in the cargo hold

• By bribing the guards

• By using a secret passage

• By disguising himself as the captain

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

• He became a Confederate officer

• He wrote a book about his life

• He returned to Africa

• He bought the house where he was born a slave

What was Robert Smalls' status in America after his escape?

• He remained a fugitive

• He was captured and returned to slavery

• He became a prominent figure

• He lived in anonymity