What was the main purpose of the Fugitive Slave Act?

The main purpose of the Fugitive Slave Act was to ensure that escaped slaves could be captured and returned to their owners. This law, passed as part of the Compromise of 1850, aimed to strengthen the legal mechanisms for the recapture of enslaved individuals who fled from Southern states to Northern states or territories where slavery was prohibited. By doing so, the Act sought to appease Southern slaveholders and maintain the balance between free and slave states.

The enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act was controversial, as it not only required citizens to assist in the recovery of escaped slaves but also imposed heavy penalties on those who aided runaway slaves. This legislation effectively created a national obligation to support the institution of slavery, leading to significant resistance from abolitionists and many in the Northern states, who viewed it as a violation of individual rights. The passage and enforcement of this act fueled tensions leading up to the Civil War, highlighting the deep national divide over the issue of slavery.