What effect did the fugitive slave act have?

Question

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
Select 2

Answer 1

The effects of the Fugitive Slave Act included:

1. It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral: The enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act led many Northerners to confront the realities of slavery and its implications. The sight of escaped slaves being captured and returned to bondage often mobilized anti-slavery sentiment and galvanized the abolitionist movement in the North.

2. It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves: The Act reinforced Southern beliefs that the federal government would support their interests regarding slavery and would expect cooperation from Northern states in enforcing slave laws, leading to increased distrust and tension between the North and South.

These two effects highlight the growing divide between the regions and the moral implications of the Act on public opinion in the North.