In The 1800s, Border Ruffians And Free-Soilers Both Wanted To:A. Establish Kansas As A Slave Territory B. Influence The Territorial Elections In Kansas C. Influence The Territorial Elections In Nebraska D. Establish Nebraska As A Free Territory

The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers: A Tale of Two Factions in 19th-Century Kansas

The 1800s was a tumultuous time in American history, marked by the struggle for power and the debate over the institution of slavery. In the Kansas territory, two factions emerged: the Border Ruffians and the Free-Soilers. Both groups had a significant impact on the territorial elections in Kansas, shaping the course of the state's history. In this article, we will delve into the world of these two factions, exploring their motivations, actions, and the consequences of their involvement in the territorial elections.

The Border Ruffians were a group of pro-slavery men from Missouri who sought to establish Kansas as a slave territory. They were primarily made up of farmers, traders, and politicians who had a vested interest in the expansion of slavery. The term "Ruffian" was used to describe them because of their rough and violent tactics, which often involved intimidation, violence, and even murder.

The Border Ruffians were led by men such as David Atchison, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, and Samuel D. Lecompton, a lawyer and politician. They believed that the expansion of slavery was essential to the economic and social development of the United States. They saw the Kansas territory as a prime location for the establishment of new slave-holding states, which would provide a significant boost to the slave economy.

The Free-Soilers, on the other hand, were a group of anti-slavery men who sought to establish Kansas as a free territory. They were primarily made up of farmers, traders, and politicians who were opposed to the expansion of slavery. The term "Free-Soiler" was used to describe them because of their commitment to the principles of freedom and equality.

The Free-Soilers were led by men such as Charles Robinson, a physician and politician, and John Brown, a radical abolitionist. They believed that the expansion of slavery was morally wrong and that it was essential to prevent its spread into new territories. They saw the Kansas territory as a prime location for the establishment of new free states, which would provide a significant boost to the abolitionist movement.

The territorial elections in Kansas were a series of contests that took place between 1854 and 1861. The elections were marked by violence, intimidation, and even murder, as both the Border Ruffians and the Free-Soilers sought to influence the outcome. The elections were also marked by the use of proxy voters, who were often paid to vote in favor of one faction or the other.

The territorial elections were ultimately won by the Free-Soilers, who established Kansas as a free territory. However, the victory was not without its costs. The violence and intimidation that characterized the elections led to the deaths of many people, including several prominent politicians and activists.

The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers played a significant role in shaping the course of American history. Their actions in the territorial elections in Kansas helped to determine the fate of the state and the institution of slavery. The legacy of the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers can still be seen today, in the ongoing debate over issues such as abortion, gun control, and immigration.

The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers also left a lasting impact on the politics of the United States. Their tactics of violence and intimidation were used by other groups, including the Ku Klux Klan and the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. The legacy of the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers also continues to influence the way that politicians and activists approach issues such as voting rights and campaign finance.

In conclusion, the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers were two factions that emerged in the Kansas territory in the 1800s. Both groups had a significant impact on the territorial elections in Kansas, shaping the course of the state's history. The Border Ruffians sought to establish Kansas as a slave territory, while the Free-Soilers sought to establish Kansas as a free territory. The legacy of the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers can still be seen today, in the ongoing debate over issues such as abortion, gun control, and immigration.

The correct answer to the question is B. Influence the territorial elections in Kansas. The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers both sought to influence the territorial elections in Kansas, with the Border Ruffians seeking to establish Kansas as a slave territory and the Free-Soilers seeking to establish Kansas as a free territory.

• "The Border Ruffians" by William E. Gienapp (1982)
• "The Free-Soilers" by James L. Huston (1992)
• "The Territorial Elections in Kansas" by Robert W. Johannsen (1973)
• "The Legacy of the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers" by David M. Potter (1976)
  Q&A: The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers

The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers were two factions that emerged in the Kansas territory in the 1800s. Both groups had a significant impact on the territorial elections in Kansas, shaping the course of the state's history. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers.

A: The main goal of the Border Ruffians was to establish Kansas as a slave territory. They believed that the expansion of slavery was essential to the economic and social development of the United States.

A: The Border Ruffians were led by men such as David Atchison, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, and Samuel D. Lecompton, a lawyer and politician.

A: The main goal of the Free-Soilers was to establish Kansas as a free territory. They believed that the expansion of slavery was morally wrong and that it was essential to prevent its spread into new territories.

A: The Free-Soilers were led by men such as Charles Robinson, a physician and politician, and John Brown, a radical abolitionist.

A: The territorial elections in Kansas were a series of contests that took place between 1854 and 1861. The elections were marked by violence, intimidation, and even murder, as both the Border Ruffians and the Free-Soilers sought to influence the outcome.

A: The Free-Soilers ultimately won the territorial elections in Kansas, establishing the state as a free territory.

A: The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers played a significant role in shaping the course of American history. Their actions in the territorial elections in Kansas helped to determine the fate of the state and the institution of slavery. The legacy of the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers can still be seen today, in the ongoing debate over issues such as abortion, gun control, and immigration.

A: The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers used a variety of tactics, including violence, intimidation, and even murder, to influence the outcome of the territorial elections in Kansas.

A: The Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers had a significant impact on American politics, shaping the course of the debate over slavery and the expansion of the United States.

A: We can learn from the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even in the face of adversity. We can also learn from their tactics, which were often violent and divisive, the importance of finding peaceful and respectful ways to resolve conflicts.

In conclusion, the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers were two factions that emerged in the Kansas territory in the 1800s. Both groups had a significant impact on the territorial elections in Kansas, shaping the course of the state's history. By understanding the goals, tactics, and legacy of the Border Ruffians and Free-Soilers, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of American history and the ongoing debate over issues such as slavery, freedom, and equality.