Pro & Anti Slavery Events

In class today, we heard arguments on pro-slavery and anti-slavey events. For the pro-slavery side, there were five events that were thoroughly explained by the group members. Bleeding Kansas was the first event that was discussed. Next, we learned about the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise is well known historic event. It was explained that it was repealed by the Kansas Nebraska Act. Additionally, the Missouri Compromise was criticized by Southerners because it established that Congress could make laws regarding slavery. The Gag rule was taught next. This rule postponed petitions that opposed slavery which would be a 1st amendment violation. John Quincy Adams was the figure that held the resolution to be a direct violation of the amendment.

The Fugitive Slave Act was another pro-slavery event. This was part of the compromise of 1850, and its purpose was to cooperate with the South. Finally, historic figure Nat Turner was discussed. Nat Turner was raised on a Virginia Plantation, and led his own rebellion. This rebellion was put down just after two days, and it led the state legislation to pass new laws. These laws included the prohibition of education for slaves and African Americans, restriction on rights of assembly, and finally white ministers were required to be present at all worship services. Overall, all of these events were dedicated to the progression of slavery.

As for anti-slavery efforts, there were just as many events. The first that was mentioned was the Act for Gradual Abolition of Slavery in 1780. This was the first act that successfully freed slaves! However, there was a loophole and this was amended in 1788. Next, the Act Prohibiting the Importation of Slaves in 1807 was extremely significant. This act was promoted by Thomas Jefferson, and it attempted to end the legality of the slave trade. Because of this act, northern states ended slavery in 1804, however ownership of slaves still continued in the South. In 1833, the American Anti-Slavery Society was also important. This was founded in New York by a religious organization. It petitioned Congress to end slavery, and one of its supporters was William Lloyd Garrison. Finally, the Emancipation Proclamation was taught. The Emancipation Proclamation is remarkable in the sense that it freed 3.1 out of 4 million slaves! Abraham Lincoln issued this. All of this anti-slavery efforts played a role in the fight against slavery.