The Fugitive Slave Question: Key Issues Leading to the Civil War

The transcript discusses the Fugitive Slave Law, highlighting its role as a significant federal assertion over states' rights, aimed at protecting slavery. It details the law's harsh measures, including the lack of rights for accused fugitives and penalties for those aiding them. The law endangered both fugitive and free African-Americans, prompting many to flee to Canada. The transcript also covers the geographical implications, resistance efforts, and the humanizing effect of the law on the slavery debate. It concludes with the political and social reactions in the North and South.

What does the Fugitive Slave Law signify about the South's stance on states' rights?

• It supports states' rights strongly

• It contradicts the claim of supporting states' rights

• It is neutral towards states' rights

• It enhances states' rights

What role did federal commissioners play under the Fugitive Slave Law?

• They helped fugitives escape

• They documented the proceedings

• They provided legal counsel to fugitives

• They decided if fugitives should be freed or not

What financial incentive did commissioners receive under the Fugitive Slave Law?

• $5 for releasing, $10 for detaining

• $10 for releasing, $5 for detaining

• $20 for any decision

• No financial incentive

How did the Fugitive Slave Law pose a threat to free blacks in the North?

• It targeted them specifically

• It allowed their wrongful enslavement

• It ignored their status

• It provided them legal protection

Which states were primarily affected by fugitive slaves escaping to the North?

• Western states like California

• Upper South states like Maryland and Virginia

• Northern states like New York

• Southern deep states like Alabama

What was the primary reason for fugitive slaves fleeing to Canada?

• To seek employment

• To avoid extradition for slavery

• To reunite with family

• To start new businesses

What was the legal status of fugitive slaves in Canada according to British law?

• Recognized as slaves

• Recognized as free individuals

• Not specified in the law

• Treated as criminals

What was the outcome of the Shadrach rescue?

• He was freed by a mob

• He escaped to the South

• He was legally acquitted

• He was returned to slavery

How did New York City's stance on slavery differ from other northern cities?

• It was indifferent to slavery issues

• It had no stance on slavery

• It was completely against slavery

• It was more supportive of slavery

What impact did personal encounters with fugitive slaves have on Northerners?

• They were largely indifferent

• They were motivated to support slavery

• They avoided any involvement

• They were drawn into the slavery debate