As a result of the apparent differences between the Northerners and the Southerners in regard to the institution of slavery in the Slave and the Free states, tensions emerged leading to conflicting legislations in support of each. It was during these heightened tensions that the Missouri compromise and the Fugitive Slave Acts were vocal in different dimensions supporting slavery in a broad spectrum. Although some factions of the society were against slavery in its entirety, the seriousness of their advocacy for abolition did not bring any impact to the society. It was not until the Missouri compromise and the Fugitive Slave Acts threatened to institute slavery for good that many abolitionist states and individual activists were encouraged to fight against the discriminatory endeavors in a bid to build free states guided by equality and liberty. For instance, the Missouri compromise brought tensions between the Free states and the slavery states on the role of the congress in mitigating or supporting slavery (Missouri Compromise, 2019). The differences between the states created a set of animosity which to a great extend fueled the civil war. On the other hand, The Fugitive Slave Acts were a set of laws which allowed the capture and return of runaway slaves legislations which were greatly rejected by the Northern states which were supporting the abolition of slavery (Fugitive Slave Acts, 2019). The southern states which majorly relied salve labor for their agricultural activities which were the backbone of their economy resisted the endeavor leading to a civil war between the Northerners and the Southerners.
In the years immediately before and after the emancipation proclamation, it was evident that African Americans became normal figures in the Union Army. Although there were federal laws barring them from participating in the Union Army, they significantly embraced it and severed in the civil war in different capacities (The Emancipation Proclamation, 2019). They faced the impediments of racial prejudice, poor and unequal compensations, and discrimination in how duties were assigned. Most of them were directed to serve in the non-combat activities. Despite the many challenges, many of the African Americans were strong in the battles and helped acquire the most desired glory that paved way for equality for all. They effectively served in the infantry and artillery departments among other areas in the military.
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President Lincoln issued the proclamation to end slavery and restore freedom and individual liberties to all. The abolition of slavery was long overdue. Although it did not apply to all areas of the US because some states had seceded and others were operating as independent states, it paved way for freedom. Lincoln’s visions for freedom aligned with the visions of the Black soldiers and philosophers of the day because it entailed elements of securing liberties and making every corner of the US free from slavery.
References
Fugitive Slave Acts. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/fugitive-slave-acts
Missouri Compromise. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.history.com/topics/abolitionist- movement/missouri-compromise
The Emancipation Proclamation. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation
