Violated Personal Liberty: The act required all citizens, including those in free states, to cooperate in the capture and return of escaped enslaved people. This violated the belief in personal liberty and the principles of freedom that were deeply held in the North.
Unjust and Unfair: Northerners saw the Fugitive Slave Act as unjust and unfair. Under the act, even individuals who had gained freedom in the North could be forcibly returned to slavery if they were accused of being escaped slaves. The burden of proof was on the accused, making it nearly impossible for them to establish their freedom.
Increased Tensions: The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act significantly escalated tensions between the North and the South. Many northerners felt that their own liberties were at risk and saw the act as a symbol of the growing power and influence of the pro-slavery faction in the federal government.
Legal Challenges: The act faced numerous legal challenges in the courts, with several judges expressing concerns about its constitutionality. The famous case of Dred Scott v. Sandford in 1857 further inflamed tensions when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Scott's claim for freedom based on his residence in a free state.
Rise of the Underground Railroad: The opposition to the Fugitive Slave Act led to increased efforts by abolitionists and individuals who supported enslaved people seeking freedom. The Underground Railroad, a network of people who provided shelter and assistance to escaping enslaved individuals, became even more active and played a crucial role in helping thousands of enslaved people find freedom in the North.