Who were the Border Ruffians?
Q: Who were the Border Ruffians?
A: Border Ruffians were pro-slavery activists from the slave-state of Missouri who crossed the state border into Kansas Territory to force the acceptance of slavery there.
Q: Why were they called Border Ruffians?
A: They were called Border Ruffians by Free-Staters in Kansas and abolitionists throughout the North.
Q: What did the Border Ruffians do in Kansas Territory?
A: Border Ruffians interfered in territorial elections and attacked Free-State settlements.
Q: What is the origin of the phrase "Bleeding Kansas"?
A: The violence caused by the Border Ruffians was the origin of the phrase "Bleeding Kansas".
Q: What were the consequences of the actions of the Border Ruffians?
A: The actions of the Border Ruffians contributed to the growing sectional tensions and helped bring on the American Civil War.
Q: When did the Border Ruffians operate in Kansas Territory?
A: The Border Ruffians operated in Kansas Territory from 1854 to 1860.
Q: Were the Border Ruffians pro- or anti-slavery activists?
A: The Border Ruffians were pro-slavery activists.