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

Question

1. It convinced Northerners that slavery was immoral.
2. It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves.
3. It convinced slaves that they were free to travel to the territories.
4. It convinced the federal government that they issue of slavery could be peacefully resolved.

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 and the harsh penalties imposed on Northerners who aided escaped slaves led many to view slavery as a moral wrong, contributing to increased abolitionist sentiments in the North.

2. It convinced Southerners that Northerners would help return slaves. - The Act was designed to ensure that escaped slaves would be returned, which bolstered Southern confidence that the institution of slavery could be protected.

The other options are less accurate:

3. It convinced slaves that they were free to travel to the territories. - The Fugitive Slave Act did not promote the idea of freedom for slaves; instead, it reinforced the risk of capture and legal repercussions for escaped slaves.

4. It convinced the federal government that the issue of slavery could be peacefully resolved. - The tensions and conflicts arising from the Fugitive Slave Act illustrated that the issue of slavery could not be peacefully resolved, as it further polarized the North and South.

Thus, the correct selections are 1 and 2.