What effect did the Fugitive Slave Act have? Select all that apply.
• It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral.
• It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves.
• It convinced slaves that they were free to travel to the territories.
• It convinced the federal government that they issue of slavery could be peacefully resolved.
1. A, B
2. C
3. A
4. C
• It increased the number of slaves who escaped to the North.
are you sure
To determine the effects of the Fugitive Slave Act, we need to examine each statement and see if it is true or false.
1. It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral.
This statement is false. The Fugitive Slave Act did not convince Northerners that slavery was immoral. In fact, it increased tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery, as many Northerners saw the act as a violation of civil liberties and opposed its enforcement.
2. It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves.
This statement is true. The Fugitive Slave Act was intended to strengthen the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners. The act aimed to discourage Northern states from harboring fugitive slaves and required citizens and law enforcement officials to assist in their capture and return. This did convince Southerners that Northerners would assist in the return of slaves.
3. It convinced slaves that they were free to travel to the territories.
This statement is false. The Fugitive Slave Act did not convince slaves that they were free to travel to the territories. In fact, the act reinforced the power of slaveholders and made it easier for them to recapture escaped slaves, even in free states. It heightened the fear and risk for slaves attempting to escape to the North.
4. It convinced the federal government that the issue of slavery could be peacefully resolved.
This statement is true. The Fugitive Slave Act was part of a series of compromises aimed at maintaining the balance between free and slave states in the United States. It was hoped that by enforcing the return of escaped slaves, the tensions between the North and the South over slavery could be appeased and resolved peacefully.
In conclusion, the correct answers are:
- It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves.
- It convinced the federal government that the issue of slavery could be peacefully resolved.