Social Studies: OERs

What was the Fugitive Slave Act and how did northerners respond to it?

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 required all citizens to help catch slaves trying to escape slavery and return them to their owners. Many northerners were enraged by this act and felt that it made them part of the slave system. In response, many northern states passed personal liberty laws, which made it harder to recapture those slaves accused of running away.

Contrast the leadership qualities of Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln.

Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln had very different leadership qualities. In terms of military leadership, Lincoln was the better planner. He trusted his generals and proved to be a patient, strong leader. On the other hand, Davis wanted to be in control of the Confederate Military because of his experience in the Mexican American War and he often argued with his generals and advisors. Overall, Lincoln proved himself to be the better Commander in Chief.

Summarize the key points of the Supreme Court case Dred Scott v. Stanford.

Dred Scott slave who was owned in Missouri but traveled with his owner to Wisconsin territory. Scott believed that because he entered Wisconsin Territory that he was now considered to be a free man. A problem occurred when Scott's owner died and then Scott became the property of his owner's wife's brother, John Sanford. Eventually, Scott brings this issue to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled that slaves couldn't file a lawsuit because they were considered property not people; they also ruled that Congress did not have the power to outlaw slavery in any territory.