Fugitive Slave Act

The Fugitive Slave Acts of 1850 were created to prevent more slaves from escaping on the Underground Railroad. The las stated that, If a slave were to be caught, they would be sent back to their owner in the South. The owner would most likely beat the slave or make them do even more brutal work. If a conductor or anyone helping a slave were to get caught, they would be thrown in jail for six months or be fined $1000. While the Fugitive Slave Acts could be considered an effect of the Underground Railroad, in an attempt to disband it, it was actually more beneficial to the organization. After the new laws were passed, many more Northerners joined the abolitionist movement and became involved with the Underground Railroad. Unfortunately, the Fugitive Slave Acts also had many negative effect because some slaves were recaptured and sent back to face serious punishment. Also, some African Americans born free in the North could be mistakenly, or purposely, kidnapped and sold into slavery.