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Some historians say that attacks by abolitionists actually strengthened sectionalism in the South instead of weakening it. How might the abolitionists have been contributing to the tensions arising over slavery? Provide two specific examples of the Southern response to the abolitionist attacks.
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The abolitionists played a significant role in fueling sectionalism and increasing tensions over slavery in the South. Their attacks and actions against slavery were seen as a threat to the Southern way of life and led to a defensive response from the South. Two specific examples of Southern responses to abolitionist attacks are:
1. The Gag Rule: In the early 1830s, abolitionists flooded the mail system with anti-slavery literature, aiming to change public opinion and incite rebellion against slaveholders. In response, the Southern-dominated Congress implemented the "gag rule" in 1836, which automatically tabled all anti-slavery petitions without discussion. This rule prevented any talk or debate on the issue of abolition and further solidified the perception of Northern interference in Southern affairs. The gag rule was a clear indication of the South's intolerance towards any challenge to their slaveholding system.
2. The Fugitive Slave Act: As the abolitionist movement gained momentum, the South grew increasingly concerned about the potential escape of slaves to the Northern states. In response, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850. This law mandated the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even if they reached free states. It allowed slave catchers to apprehend suspected fugitive slaves and deprived them of legal rights and a fair trial. This enactment was a direct response to the actions of abolitionists and showcased the South's determination to protect the institution of slavery.
Overall, the abolitionists' attacks on slavery stirred intense opposition in the South and contributed to the strengthening of sectionalism. The defensive responses by the South, such as the gag rule and the Fugitive Slave Act, further heightened tensions between the North and the South, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the American Civil War.