Did you know?
Did you know that the Fugitive Slave Act, passed by the United States Congress in 1850, had significant effects on the institution of slavery and the relationship between Northern and Southern states?
Selecting all that apply, the Fugitive Slave Act:
1. Increased tensions between Northern and Southern states: The law mandated that citizens were required to aid and assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves, even in states where slavery was abolished. This enforcement created widespread opposition, especially in Northern states where abolitionist sentiments were stronger.
2. Heightened division over the issue of slavery: The Act's enforcement in non-slaveholding states outraged many Northerners, leading to growing opposition to the institution of slavery and fueling the burgeoning abolitionist movement.
3. Encouraged the expansion of the Underground Railroad: The Act's stringent measures, such as the denial of jury trials for accused slaves, prompted abolitionists to organize and assist more fugitive slaves, thus increasing the reach and effectiveness of the Underground Railroad.
4. Created fear and paranoia among free African Americans: The Act legitimized kidnapping and the detention of free African Americans, as they could be falsely accused of being escaped slaves. This heightened fear within the community and further solidified their commitment to the abolitionist cause.
