What did the actions of the Border Ruffians demonstrate about the slavery debate? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
that opposing sides would resort to violence
that opposing sides would resort to violence
that abolitionists would triumph by using the press
that abolitionists would triumph by using the press
that settlers would follow the laws
that settlers would follow the laws
that compromises would not solve the debate
that opposing sides would resort to violence
that compromises would not solve the debate
The actions of the Border Ruffians demonstrated that opposing sides would resort to violence and that compromises would not solve the debate.
To determine which of the options correctly demonstrate the actions of the Border Ruffians and their relation to the slavery debate, we can examine the historical context surrounding their actions.
The Border Ruffians were pro-slavery activists from Missouri who crossed the border into Kansas to illegally influence the outcome of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which would determine whether Kansas would enter the Union as a free or slave state. Their violent actions and tactics were used to intimidate and suppress the anti-slavery movement in Kansas, ultimately leading to widespread violence and bloodshed in what became known as "Bleeding Kansas."
From this context, we can analyze the options provided:
1. "That opposing sides would resort to violence." - This statement accurately reflects the actions of the Border Ruffians. They resorted to violence to advance their pro-slavery agenda, suggesting that opposing sides in the slavery debate were willing to use violent means to further their objectives.
2. "That abolitionists would triumph by using the press." - This statement does not accurately reflect the actions of the Border Ruffians. The pro-slavery activists did not contribute to the success of abolitionists through their actions. Instead, they aimed to suppress the anti-slavery movement.
3. "That settlers would follow the laws." - This statement is inaccurate. The actions of the Border Ruffians highlighted a disregard for the law. They engaged in illegal activities intended to sway the outcome of the slavery debate in their favor.
4. "That compromises would not solve the debate." - While the actions of the Border Ruffians did not directly demonstrate the ineffectiveness of compromises, their violent actions certainly added fuel to the already heated slavery debate, suggesting that compromises alone were not enough to resolve the deeply rooted divisions.
Based on this analysis, the correct options would be:
- That opposing sides would resort to violence
- That compromises would not solve the debate