Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

What did the Fugitive Slave Act require?

It offered asylum to escaped slaves

It mandated the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even from free states

The Fugitive Slave Act mandated the return of escaped slaves to their owners even from free states, which was a key component of the legislation passed in 1850. This law was part of the Compromise of 1850, intended to ease tensions between slave-holding and non-slaveholding states. By doing so, it reinforced the institution of slavery and ensured that slaveholders could reclaim their property regardless of where it had escaped.

This act was controversial and met with significant resistance in free states, where many abolitionists and ordinary citizens opposed the idea of capturing and returning escaped slaves. The requirement not only affected the slaves themselves but also placed legal obligations on citizens and officials in free states to assist in the capture of fugitives, which contributed to heightened tensions leading up to the Civil War.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

It abolished slavery in all states

It established a safe route for escaped slaves

Next Question

Report this question

Download Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy