What effect did the fugitive Slave act have
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 had several effects on the United States during that time period. To understand these effects, it would be helpful to gain some contextual knowledge of what the Fugitive Slave Act was and how it functioned.
The Fugitive Slave Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress as part of the Compromise of 1850, which aimed to settle tensions between the North and South regarding the issue of slavery. Under this act, it became a federal offense to aid or harbor a fugitive slave or to obstruct their capture. It also established a system where alleged runaway slaves had limited legal rights and their return to their owners was facilitated.
Now, let's discuss the effects of the Fugitive Slave Act:
1. Heightened tensions between the North and South: The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act caused significant outrage and controversy, particularly in Northern states where anti-slavery sentiment was growing. Many Northerners opposed the act as it forced them to actively participate in capturing and returning escaped slaves, which conflicted with their moral values. This deepened the divide between the North and South and fueled abolitionist movements.
2. Increased enforcement and capture of fugitive slaves: The Fugitive Slave Act gave federal commissioners sweeping powers to determine the fate of fugitive slaves and imposed stronger penalties for those who aided slaves in their escape. This led to an increase in the capture and return of escaped slaves, as officials were incentivized to side with slaveholders and pursue the capture of fugitives.
3. Escalation of abolitionist activities: The Fugitive Slave Act and its enforcement created a sense of urgency among abolitionists. It galvanized their efforts to assist runaway slaves, protect their rights, and advocate for the abolition of slavery altogether. Prominent abolitionists like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass actively worked against the act and aided fugitive slaves in their quest for freedom.
4. Undermining the legal system in Northern states: The Fugitive Slave Act placed Northern state governments and legal systems in a precarious position. Many Northern states enacted "personal liberty laws" to counteract the effects of the act and protect the rights of free African Americans who were often mistakenly captured as fugitive slaves. This created tension between state and federal law, potentially undermining the authority of the federal government.
In summary, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 heightened the tensions between the North and South, increased the enforcement and capture of fugitive slaves, fueled the abolitionist movement, and undermined the legal system in the Northern states. Understanding the historical context and the provisions of the act is essential to comprehending its effects.