The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was part of the Compromise of 1850 and signed into law by President Millard Fillmore in September of 1850. Despite Fillmore opposition to slavery, he signed it as a way to keep southern states from seceding. This would actually deepen the divide over the issue of slavery.
The stronger Fugitive Slave Act stated that escaped slaves will be returned to their owners, denied a jury trial, and prevented from testifying on their own behalf even if they were in a free state. Anyone refusing to enforce the law or those helping slaves to escape would face heavy punishments such as fines or imprisonment.
Cartoon criticizing the Fugitive Slave Acts
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (reproduction no. LC-USZC4-4550)
The Underground Railroad, painting by Charles T. Weber, c. 1893, depicting escaped slaves taking refuge at one of the stations on the Underground Railroad.
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (neg. no. LC-USZ62-28860)
The effects of the law led to abuses such as whether an arrested person was an actual slave or not and sent south to be sold plus added further division between the North and South. Also it increased the number of abolitionists, the operations of the Underground Railroad became more stronger, and new laws were enacted in many North.
