What role did the act play in the build up to the Civil War?

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 played a significant role in the build up to the Civil War by intensifying tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery. The act required that all escaped slaves be returned to their owners, even in free states, and imposed heavy penalties on those who helped slaves escape. This heightened Northern abolitionist sentiment and led to increased resistance against the institution of slavery. The act also sparked widespread protests and riots in Northern states, further dividing the country along regional lines and adding fuel to the growing conflict that eventually led to the outbreak of the Civil War.

This mind map was published on 20 August 2024 and has been viewed 22 times.