The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 Road to the Civil War

Bell Ringer/Learning Target Bell Ringer: How would a southerner justify their support for slavery? Learning Target: I can explain the significance of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 required all citizens to help catch runaways. Anyone who aided a runaway could be fined or imprisoned. People in the South believed the law would force Northerners to recognize the rights of Southerners. Instead, the enforcement of the law led to mounting anger in the North. This law also helped to convince more people of the evils of slavery. President of the time – Zachary Taylor – 12 th

Fugitive Slave Act Worksheet Complete the worksheet given to you in your portfolio. DO NOT WRITE ON THIS PAPER. You have 12 minutes to complete this assignment.

Frederick Douglass A prominent American abolitionist, author and speaker. Abolitionist- a person who wants to end slavery Born a slave, Douglass escaped at age 20 and went on to become a world-renowned anti-slavery activist. Douglass’ work as a reformer ranged from his abolitionist activities in the early 1840s to his attacks on Jim Crow and lynching in the 1890s. He put a powerful charge against slavery and racism, provided an voice of hope for his people, embraced antislavery politics and preached his own brand of American ideals.

Primary Document Activity Directions: I will put you into seven groups. In your groups you will read your primary document, fill out your worksheet and prepare to give a presentation to the class about your group’s document. Things to consider… Is your document for or against slavery? What are the reasons given to support the opinion of the writer of your document?

Assessment Prompt How was the use of slavery defended?

Assessment Prompt How were slave narratives used to sway public opinion against slavery?

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 Directions: You will look at several primary sources that depict the Fugitive Slave Act of Fill out the worksheet given to you in your group.

Assessment Prompt In Advertisements and propaganda, how were words used differently to show bias?

Significance of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 The law further increased the ill feeling between the people of the two sections of the nation (North and South) The 1850 Fugitive Slave Law, together with the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1852, convinced the Northerners that bounds must be set to the extension of slavery (slavery must be controlled) The use of slave patrols came to an end when the Civil War ended but are linked to post civil war groups such as the Ku Klux Klan This act was one of the Causes of the Civil War

Summarizer In your opinion, which primary source used in class about slavery was the most powerful? Explain. Write your answer in 3-4 sentences.