Slavery was a deeply ingrained institution in the United States during the 19th century, with a complex web of laws and regulations that governed the lives of enslaved individuals. Harriet Tubman, a prominent abolitionist and former slave, lived during a time when these laws were in full force. Understanding the laws that made slavery legal during Tubman's time provides valuable context for her remarkable story and the broader struggle for freedom and equality.
The institution of slavery was deeply entrenched in the United States, with roots dating back to the colonial era. As the country expanded and grew, so did the complexity of laws governing slavery. In this article, we will explore five key laws that made slavery legal during Harriet Tubman's time, highlighting their significance and impact on the lives of enslaved individuals.
Law 1: The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 was a federal law that required the return of enslaved individuals who had escaped to free states. This law was a major blow to abolitionists and freedom seekers, as it effectively nullified the idea of a "free" state. Under this law, slave owners could reclaim their escaped slaves, and authorities in free states were required to assist in the capture and return of these individuals.
This law had a profound impact on Harriet Tubman's life, as she was forced to flee to Canada to avoid being captured and returned to her slave owners. Tubman would later become a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved individuals escape to freedom.
Key Provisions of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793:
Required the return of enslaved individuals who had escaped to free states Authorized slave owners to reclaim their escaped slaves Mandated that authorities in free states assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves
Law 2: The Missouri Compromise of 1820
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a landmark law that admitted Missouri as a slave state and banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel. This law was a temporary solution to the contentious issue of slavery in the United States, but it ultimately failed to address the deeper problems of slavery and states' rights.
The Missouri Compromise had significant implications for Harriet Tubman, as it further entrenched the institution of slavery in the United States. Tubman would later face significant challenges in her efforts to escape to freedom, as slave catchers and bounty hunters were empowered by laws like the Missouri Compromise.
Key Provisions of the Missouri Compromise of 1820:
Admitted Missouri as a slave state Banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel Failed to address the deeper problems of slavery and states' rights
Law 3: The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was a federal law that strengthened the provisions of the 1793 Fugitive Slave Act. This law required the return of enslaved individuals who had escaped to free states, and it imposed harsh penalties on individuals who assisted escaped slaves.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 had a profound impact on Harriet Tubman's life, as she was forced to navigate an increasingly treacherous landscape of slave catchers and bounty hunters. Tubman's experiences under this law would later inform her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Key Provisions of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850:
Strengthened the provisions of the 1793 Fugitive Slave Act Required the return of enslaved individuals who had escaped to free states Imposed harsh penalties on individuals who assisted escaped slaves
Law 4: The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 was a federal law that repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and allowed new states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This law led to pro-slavery and anti-slavery violence in the Kansas territory, which would later become known as "Bleeding Kansas."
The Kansas-Nebraska Act had significant implications for Harriet Tubman, as it further polarized the debate over slavery in the United States. Tubman's experiences as a conductor on the Underground Railroad would later inform her work as a soldier and spy during the Civil War.
Key Provisions of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854:
Repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 Allowed new states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery Led to pro-slavery and anti-slavery violence in the Kansas territory
Law 5: The Dred Scott Decision of 1857
The Dred Scott Decision of 1857 was a landmark Supreme Court case that held that enslaved individuals were not citizens of the United States and had no right to sue in court. This decision effectively denied enslaved individuals their basic human rights and further entrenched the institution of slavery in the United States.
The Dred Scott Decision had profound implications for Harriet Tubman, as it underscored the brutal reality of slavery in the United States. Tubman's experiences as a slave and a freedom seeker would later inform her work as a prominent abolitionist and civil rights activist.
Key Provisions of the Dred Scott Decision of 1857:
Held that enslaved individuals were not citizens of the United States Denied enslaved individuals their basic human rights Further entrenched the institution of slavery in the United States
In conclusion, the five laws discussed in this article provide a glimpse into the complex web of regulations that governed the lives of enslaved individuals during Harriet Tubman's time. These laws underscore the brutal reality of slavery in the United States and highlight the significant challenges faced by freedom seekers like Tubman.
As we reflect on the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the abolitionist movement, it is essential to remember the significance of these laws and their impact on the lives of enslaved individuals. By understanding the historical context of slavery in the United States, we can better appreciate the remarkable story of Harriet Tubman and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on the significance of these laws and their impact on the lives of enslaved individuals. How can we continue to work towards a more just and equitable society?
FAQ Section
What was the main purpose of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793?
+The main purpose of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 was to require the return of enslaved individuals who had escaped to free states.
What was the significance of the Dred Scott Decision of 1857?
+The Dred Scott Decision of 1857 held that enslaved individuals were not citizens of the United States and had no right to sue in court, effectively denying them their basic human rights.
How did the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 impact the debate over slavery in the United States?
+The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and allowed new states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery, leading to pro-slavery and anti-slavery violence in the Kansas territory.
Gallery of 5 Laws That Made Slavery Legal In Harriet Tubmans Time
