Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to Make an Additional Article of War |
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| Nicknames | Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves |
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| Statutes at Large | 12 Stat. 354 |
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The Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves was an important law passed by the United States Congress during the American Civil War. It stopped military and naval officers from using their power to send enslaved people who had escaped back to their owners. This law was a big step in how the Union army dealt with slavery during the war.
As the Union armies moved into the Southern states, many enslaved people saw a chance to gain their freedom. They would often escape and try to reach Union army lines. Some army leaders let these escaped individuals work for the Union. They helped by digging trenches, building forts, and doing other important camp jobs. These escaped enslaved people were often called "contraband". This term meant they were like captured enemy property, which allowed the Union to keep them.
However, not all Union commanders agreed on what to do. Some officers would actually send the escaped enslaved people back to their owners. This act was passed to make sure that all military personnel followed the same rule. It stated that any officer who broke this law could be removed from service after a military trial.
What the Law Said
The law, officially called "An act to make an additional article of war," was approved on March 13, 1862. It added a new rule for the United States Army and Navy.
- No Return of Escaped People: All officers and people working in the military or naval service were forbidden from using their forces to return anyone who had escaped from slavery.
- Punishment for Violations: If an officer was found guilty by a military court of breaking this rule, they would be dismissed from their job. This meant they would be fired from the service.
- Immediate Effect: The law became active as soon as it was passed.
This act was a significant moment because it officially changed the policy of the Union army. It showed that the Union was moving towards protecting escaped enslaved people, rather than helping their former owners.
See also
