Question

How did congressional neutrality towards slavery in the federal territories actually stir up sectional strife

Answer 1

Answer:

The neutrality of the congress generated polarization in the country. This polarization caused states where slavery was prohibited to criticize and devalue states where slavery was allowed, which retaliated against devaluation with further devaluation.

Explanation:

When Congress decided to stay neutral in relation to slavery in the country, Congressmen believed that this would generate peace in the country, as each state would have autonomy to decide whether it wanted to use slaves or not.

However, the result could not have been more different. Neutrality generated polarization and many conflicts between countries that allowed slaves and prohibited slaves. Countries that did not allow slavery criticized, devalued and tried to interfere with the autonomy of the states that allowed slavery. The slaves who allowed slavery did not tolerate this interference and retaliated as best they could, in addition to promoting a strong devaluation in relation to free countries.