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When Califronia applied for statehood, it wanted to be a free state. The Compromise of 1850 gave states the ability to choose whether they wanted to be free or slave-holding, and it made Fugitive Slave Laws stronger. The compromise was rejected, but it was passed when Douglas introduced each piece as a seperate bill.
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The Fugitive Slave Act stated that there would be no trial for fugitive slaves, that there was a $10 reward for returning a slave, and that there would be a $1000 fine and six months in jail for each slave a person helped to escape. However, nine northern states passed "personal liberty laws" that gave fugitive slaves some rights.
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Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote this novel depicting the evilness of slavery, and the North had a very positive response to it. This novel helped to fuel the abolitionist cause.
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Charles Sumner held a 2-day rant against the South in the middle of Congress. Preston Brooks, a representative from South Carolina, became angry and caned Sumner on the floor. Sumner suffered shock and brain damage, and wasn't able to fulfill his role as Senator for quite a while.
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John Brown planned to raid the Federal Arsenal and give weapons to slaves, so they could retaliate. He held 60 hostages, but he was captured by Robert E. Lee and 8 of his men were killed. Brown was tried for treason and hanged.
