What was the main purpose of the Underground Railroad?

The main purpose of the Underground Railroad was to facilitate the escape of enslaved people. This network of individuals and safe houses provided critical support for those fleeing from slavery, helping them reach free states or Canada, where they could find refuge and freedom. It operated clandestinely, relying on a series of safe havens, secret routes, and trusted allies who risked their lives to assist escaping individuals.

While promoting abolition of slavery was certainly a broader goal of many who were involved in the Underground Railroad, the specific function of the network was centered on the immediate assistance and safe passage of those seeking to escape their enslaved conditions. The activities of the Underground Railroad illuminated the extreme lengths to which many would go to resist oppression and fight for their basic human rights.

The options regarding establishing trade routes or providing education to free blacks do not align with the primary focus and function of the Underground Railroad, which centered on aiding escapees rather than economic development or educational initiatives.