11. The Role of Politics
Political decisions and events had a profound impact on the operations of Franklin & Armfield, often shaping the landscape of the slave trade. The passage of laws such as the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 reinforced their business model, providing legal protections for slave owners and traders while criminalizing assistance to escapees.
Additionally, the heated debates surrounding states’ rights and the expansion of slavery into new territories fueled tensions leading up to the Civil War. As political climates shifted, Franklin & Armfield adapted their strategies, navigating changes to ensure their continued profitability in a deeply divided nation.
