The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 intensified divisions between Northern free states and Southern slave states as it mandated that Northern citizens assist in the capture of fugitive slaves. Unpopular in the North, many viewed it as immoral and akin to legalized kidnapping. Even individuals who had previously shown indifference to slavery found themselves threatened with penalties for non-compliance. Notably, figures such as Harriet Tubman emerged, resisting the law by aiding freedom seekers. Tubman's dramatic rescue of Charles Nalle in 1860 became emblematic of Northern defiance, showcasing the growing tensions leading up to the Civil War.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 compelled Northern authorities, law enforcement, and ordinary citizens to report on fugitives and help slave catchers retrieve them.
Many people in the North continued to shelter and help fugitive slaves, and some, like Harriet Tubman, took direct action in challenging the law.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was extremely unpopular in the North; people were forced to participate or face six months in prison and a hefty fine.
Tubman's dramatic rescue of Charles Nalle while demonstrating Northern resistance to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 remains one of the most notable acts of defiance.
Collection
[
|
...
]