What did the actions of the Border Ruffians demonstrate about the slavery debate
The actions of the Border Ruffians demonstrated that the slavery debate was heavily influenced by sectional tensions and deeply rooted emotions. These pro-slavery settlers from neighboring states, particularly Missouri, crossed into Kansas to support the pro-slavery cause and prevent Kansas from becoming a free state. They engaged in acts of violence, intimidation, voter fraud, and election rigging to ensure the dominance of pro-slavery forces in the region.
By flooding Kansas with pro-slavery settlers, the Border Ruffians showed the determination of slaveholders to expand and protect the institution of slavery. Their actions also revealed the extent to which some people were willing to use force and violence to influence the outcome of the slavery debate. The violence and lawlessness unleashed by the Border Ruffians deeply polarized the region and contributed to the growing tensions between the North and the South, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the American Civil War.