What effect did the Fugitive Slave Act have? Select all that apply.

Question

(1 point)
Responses

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.

Answer 1

The effects of the Fugitive Slave Act include:

• It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral. (This was a significant effect, as the Act fueled anti-slavery sentiment in the North.)

• It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves. (The Act was intended to strengthen the ability to recapture escaped slaves, which reassured some Southerners about the support for slavery in the North.)

The other two options do not accurately reflect the effects of the Fugitive Slave Act:

• It convinced slaves that they were free to travel to the territories. (The Act did not support this belief; in fact, it discouraged slaves from taking such risks.)

• It convinced the federal government that the issue of slavery could be peacefully resolved. (The Act actually heightened tensions between North and South, making peaceful resolution more difficult.)

So the correct selections are the first two options.