Fugitive Slave Act and Its Impacts

The video discusses the westward expansion of the United States and the resulting issues with new states wanting to join the Union, which threatened the balance in the Senate. The Compromise of 1850, following the Mexican-American War, allowed California to enter as a free state and let Utah and New Mexico territories decide on slavery through voting. This led to more free states, causing tension with the South. To address this, the Fugitive Slave Act was introduced, requiring the return of runaway slaves to the South, which was controversial and heightened tensions between the North and South.

What was a major issue caused by westward expansion in the United States?

• Improved relations with Native Americans

• Discovery of new natural resources

• Unbalanced representation in the Senate

• Increased trade with Europe

What event led to the introduction of the Compromise of 1850?

• The Mexican-American War

• The Civil War

• The War of 1812

• The American Revolution

Which state wanted to join the Union as a free state, causing further imbalance?

• Utah

• New Mexico

• Texas

• California

What decision was made regarding the Utah and New Mexico territories?

• They would remain unorganized territories

• They would automatically be slave states

• They would automatically be free states

• They could vote to decide on slavery

Why was the South concerned about the increasing number of free states?

• It would reduce agricultural production

• It would increase the cost of goods

• It would lead to higher taxes

• It would make slavery illegal in the Senate

What was the purpose of the Fugitive Slave Act?

• To provide education for freed slaves

• To abolish slavery in the North

• To return runaway slaves to the South

• To allow slaves to vote

How did the Fugitive Slave Act affect runaway slaves?

• They could live freely in the North

• They had to be returned to the South

• They were granted citizenship

• They were given land in the West

What was a controversial aspect of the Fugitive Slave Act?

• It provided financial compensation to slave owners

• It required the North to return runaway slaves

• It allowed slaves to own property

• It banned the sale of slaves in the South

Which region was required by law to return runaway slaves under the Fugitive Slave Act?

• The West

• The North

• The South

• The Midwest

What was the impact of the Fugitive Slave Act on the North?

• It increased industrialization

• It required them to enforce slavery laws

• It led to the abolition of slavery

• It improved relations with the South