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.

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