2. History of African Americans in Wisconsin

3. 1st Blacks in Wisconsin were slaves Brought to work in mines
Slavery in wisconsin
1st Blacks in Wisconsin were slaves
Brought to work in mines
Prohibited by Northwest Ordinance, but no enforcement
1840 Census 185 free, 11 slaves
1850 no slaves, 653 free
Couldn’t serve in military
More rights than other Northern States
No inter-racial marriage laws
Could own property
Send kids to public schools
No job limitations
Be on juries, testify against whites, hold public meetings

4. African American Population in WI
Milwaukee and Racine
Barbers/hairdressers
Sailors
Common laborers

5. Abolitionists
Not many white people in north cared about abolition Didn’t agree with taking “property” – fear that they could lose their own “property” Congress had no power to alter state constitutions But – people were becoming more aware Morally wrong

6. Secession
Growing issue Mexican – American War (1846) ? Of what to do with new lands Extend to TX and CA? Free Soiler Party (later the Liberty Party): Compromise Ignore where already is, but don’t let spread

7. The Great Compromise
Tried to make everyone happy Fugitive Slave Law: Southern slavecatchers could take back Based on an oath No judicial process Judge: higher fee if sent back than set free Organized Assisted Underground Railroad to Canada

9. Underground railroad in Wisconsin

10. Joshua Glover
Runaway slave in Racine Federal marshal broke in Beat Glover Carted him away Sherman Booth: Milwaukee newspaper writer and abolitionist Protested Lead a mob which called for Glover’s release, broke in and set free Marshal was arrested Booth was arrested