Fugitive Slave Act

Name: Fugitive Slave Act
Uploaded: 2012-12-19T05:00:00Z
Duration: P139S
Description: The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made the hunting down of escaped slaves, even in free states, fully legal. To abolitionists, this represented a huge blow to their efforts. Not only had the federal government endorsed slavery, but it had also committed to preserving the institution indefinitely.

Clip: Season 25 Episode 12 | 2m 19s

The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made the hunting down of escaped slaves, even in free states, fully legal. To abolitionists, this represented a huge blow to their efforts. Not only had the federal government endorsed slavery, but it had also committed to preserving the institution indefinitely.

Aired: 01/08/13

Rating: NR