The fugitive slave laws were laws passed by the United States Congress in 1793 and 1850 to provide for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another state or territory. The idea of the fugitive slave law was derived from the Fugitive Slave Clause which is in the United States Constitution (Article IV, Section 2, Paragraph 3). It was thought that forcing states to return fugitive slaves to their masters violated states' rights due to state sovereignty, and that seizing state property should not be left up to the states. The Fugitive Slave Clause states that fugitive slaves "shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due", which abridged state rights because apprehending runaway slaves was a form of retrieving private property.
First US Fugitive Slave Law passes, requiring the return of escaped slaves
The fugitive slave laws were laws passed by the United States Congress in 1793 and 1850 to provide for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another state or territory.
Historical Significance
The fugitive slave laws were laws passed by the United States Congress in 1793 and 1850 to provide for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another state or territory.
Events Before
US postal service created, postage 6-12 cents depending on distance
US postal service created, postage 6-12 cents depending on distance
King Gustav III of Sweden is shot by Count Jacob Johan Anckarström at a masked ball at the opera and dies on March 29
Jacob Johan Anckarström (11 May 1762 – 27 April 1792) was a Swedish military officer who is known as the assassin of King Gustav III of Sweden. He was convicted and executed for regicide.
The Coinage Act is passed, establishing the United States Mint and authorizing the $10 Eagle, $5 Half-Eagle, $2.50 Quart
The Coinage Act is passed, establishing the United States Mint and authorizing the $10 Eagle, $5 Half-Eagle, $2.50 Quarter-Eagle gold coins, and the silver dollar, half dollar, quarter, dime, and half-dime
Brazilian revolutionary Tiradentes is hanged, drawn, and quartered in Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian revolutionary Tiradentes is hanged, drawn, and quartered in Rio de Janeiro
Guillotine first used in France, executes highwayman Nicolas Pelletier
Nicolas Jacques Pelletier (1756 – 25 April 1792) was a French highwayman who was the first person to be executed by guillotine.
Events After
Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin, revolutionizing the cotton industry in the southern US states [1]
Eli Whitney Jr. (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825) was an American inventor, widely known for inventing the cotton gin in 1793, one of the key inventions of the Industrial Revolution that shaped...
Naval Act of 1794 is signed by President George Washington, authorizing the building of six frigates and establishing a
Naval Act of 1794 is signed by President George Washington, authorizing the building of six frigates and establishing a permanent US Navy
Battle of Fleurus: Major victory by forces of the First French Republic under General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan over the Coa
Battle of Fleurus: Major victory by forces of the First French Republic under General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan over the Coalition Army (Great Britain, Hanover, Dutch Republic, and Habsburgs) with the first use of a reconnaissance balloon
French Revolutionary figure Maximilien Robespierre and 22 other leaders of "the Terror" are guillotined to thunderous ch
French Revolutionary figure Maximilien Robespierre and 22 other leaders of "the Terror" are guillotined to thunderous cheers in Paris
4th US President James Madison (43) weds Dolley Madison (26) in Jefferson County, West Virginia
4th US President James Madison (43) weds Dolley Madison (26) in Jefferson County, West Virginia
More from the 1790s
Albany replaces New York City as the capital of New York
Albany ( AWL-bə-nee) is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York. It is also the county seat of, and the most populous city in, Albany County.
Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books
Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books
First US President George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address
The 1790 State of the Union Address was the inaugural State of the Union address, delivered by President George Washington to the United States Congress on January 8, 1790, at the Senate Chamber of…
French King Louis XVI sentenced to death by the National Convention during the French Revolution
Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 12, 1793?
- The fugitive slave laws were laws passed by the United States Congress in 1793 and 1850 to provide for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another state or territory. The idea of the fugitive slave law was derived from the Fugitive Slave Clause which is in the United States Constitution (Article IV, Section 2, Paragraph 3). It was thought that forcing states to return fugitive slaves to their masters violated states' rights due to state sovereignty, and that seizing state property should not be left up to the states.
- Why is First US Fugitive Slave Law passes, requiring the return of escaped slaves significant?
- The fugitive slave laws were laws passed by the United States Congress in 1793 and 1850 to provide for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another state or territory.