The Abolitionist movement was a tactic to end the spread of slavery. The fugitive slave act was created from the compromise of 1850. This was a very big part of the abolitionist movement. Many Northerner opposed this idea, that slaves in free states weren't really free. They pleaded to get slavery to stop.
Dred Scott was a big part in the Abolitionist movement. He pleaded his freedom from slavery, it went all the way to the supreme court. The reason he wanted his freedom was because his owner passed away, and his wife took him. He didn't think it was fair.
Important Events
Fugitive slave act - this was a law passed that allowed slave owners to take their slaves back even if they're in free states.
Harpers Ferry Raid - an attempt by John Brown to start and armed slave revolt.
Uncle Tom's Cablin - A book written by Harriet B. Stowe, an anti-slavery book.