What effect did the Fugitive Slave Act have? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral.
It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral.
It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves.
It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves.
It convinced slaves that they were free to travel to the territories.
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.
It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral.
It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves.
The correct responses are:
- It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral.
- It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves.
The Fugitive Slave Act, which was passed as part of the Compromise of 1850, had a significant impact on the perceptions and attitudes of Northerners and Southerners towards slavery. It reinforced the idea among many Northerners that slavery was immoral, as they were required to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves, even if they personally opposed slavery. This intensified Northern opposition to slavery and in some cases, motivated individuals to take more active roles in the abolitionist movement.
On the other hand, the Fugitive Slave Act also convinced Southerners that Northerners would assist in the return of slaves. This gave Southern slaveholders a sense of security and reinforced their belief that the federal government would support their rights to own and control their slaves, even in states where slavery was not legal.
The other two options listed in the question are not accurate. The Fugitive Slave Act did not convince slaves that they were free to travel to the territories, as it actually tightened restrictions on escaped slaves and increased the likelihood of their capture and return to slavery. Additionally, the Fugitive Slave Act did not convince the federal government that the issue of slavery could be peacefully resolved. Instead, it further deepened the divide between the North and the South and contributed to the tensions that ultimately led to the American Civil War.