Free States

Definition

Free states were territories or states in the United States that did not allow the institution of slavery within their borders. These states were in contrast to the slave states, which permitted and upheld the practice of slavery. The distinction between free and slave states was a central issue in the political and social landscape of the United States in the 19th century, particularly as the country expanded westward.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Free states played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement, serving as havens for escaped slaves and supporting the Underground Railroad.
2. The balance between free and slave states was a key factor in the admission of new states, as Congress sought to maintain an equal number of free and slave states.
3. The Fugitive Slave Act, part of the Compromise of 1850, required free states to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves, causing significant tension and resistance.
4. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed settlers in those territories to decide the issue of slavery for themselves, leading to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.
5. The election of Abraham Lincoln, a Republican who opposed the expansion of slavery, in 1860 was a significant factor in the Southern states' decision to secede and form the Confederate States of America.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the balance between free and slave states in the political landscape of the United States during the 19th century.
  • The balance between free and slave states was a crucial issue in the political landscape of the United States during the 19th century. Congress sought to maintain an equal number of free and slave states, as this balance of power was seen as essential to maintaining the union. The admission of new states, particularly in the western territories, was a contentious process as both sides fought to tip the scales in their favor. The maintenance of this balance was a central factor in the series of compromises, such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, that sought to address the issue of slavery's expansion.
• Describe the role of free states in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.
  • Free states played a vital role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. As havens for escaped slaves, free states provided refuge and assistance to those fleeing the institution of slavery. The Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses, allowed slaves to escape to the North and Canada, with free states serving as crucial waypoints and destinations. Abolitionist activists in free states also worked tirelessly to advocate for the end of slavery, using political, social, and economic means to challenge the institution. The presence of free states was a significant factor in the broader struggle to abolish slavery in the United States.
• Analyze the impact of the Fugitive Slave Act, part of the Compromise of 1850, on the relationship between free states and slave states.
  • The Fugitive Slave Act, which required free states to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves, had a significant impact on the relationship between free and slave states. This act caused considerable tension and resistance in the North, as it was seen as a violation of the principles of free states and an encroachment on their autonomy. Free states and their citizens often refused to comply with the Fugitive Slave Act, leading to confrontations with federal authorities and the undermining of the compromise. This further exacerbated the divide between the North and South, contributing to the growing sectional tensions that ultimately led to the outbreak of the American Civil War.

Related terms

Slave States: Slave states were territories or states in the United States that permitted and upheld the institution of slavery within their borders, in contrast to the free states.

Missouri Compromise: The Missouri Compromise was a legislative agreement passed in 1820 that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while prohibiting slavery in the remaining Louisiana Purchase territory north of the 36°30' parallel.

Compromise of 1850: The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative acts that addressed the issue of the expansion of slavery in the wake of the Mexican-American War. It included the admission of California as a free state and the implementation of the Fugitive Slave Act.