Fugitive Slave Act Research Paper

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I chose Fugitive slave act as number 1 because it allowed the capture and return of both African Americans on the run and ones who were free. If an African American person who was free was captured they would be illegally sold back into slavery. But this law did not only affect African Americans but anyone who aided in their escape would also be penalized. As the punishment for breaking this law grew more severe, the critismcm grew along with it. I believe it had the most impact on African Americans during the westward expansion.

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