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The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was designed to settle the difference between the North and the South on the issue of Slavery in the admission of new states in the Union of States. At this time in American history, there were 11 Slave States and 11 Free States. The balance was kept when Missouri was admitted into Union as a Slave State, and Maine (which was previously a part of Massachusetts) became a separate Free State, and the balance was kept at 12 Free and 12 Slave States. A diving line was also established where slavery was forbidden north of 36 degree 30 minutes line. Below that mark slavery could still exist in the United States.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 Antislavery advocates and the abolitionists were disturbed by this act. The South wanted their runaway slaves back. This was their property. They wanted a warrant issued by the courts for the arrest of known fugitive slave runaways. If they, the marshals, or anyone did not cooperate, they could be fined $1,000. Slave masters could also seize their runaway slaves and even collect the value of accumulated moneys or services for labor done by the slave outside of his master's domain. In a trial, no slave could testify on his own behalf. Force could also be used to capture runaway slaves. Both slaves and free blacks were at risk of being put back into bondage and servitude.

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