Slave State: A slave state refers to a state in which slavery was legal and practiced. In contrast to a free state, individuals in slave states were considered property and lacked basic freedoms.
Compromise of 1850: The Compromise of 1850 was an agreement between northern and southern states that admitted California as a free state but also strengthened fugitive slave laws, making it easier for slave owners to recapture escaped slaves.
Fugitive Slave Act: The Fugitive Slave Act was part of the Compromise of 1850. It required individuals in free states to assist in capturing and returning escaped slaves, even if they personally disagreed with slavery.