some of them did run away but others were just afraid that they would be caught, or die trying to run away
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Slaves faced severe consequences such as violence, torture, and death if they were caught running away. Additionally, they often lacked resources, knowledge of the area, and support network needed to successfully escape. Furthermore, slave patrols and laws made it difficult for slaves to find safe refuge.
Slaves may run away due to harsh treatment, desire for freedom, to be with loved ones, or seeking better opportunities. Running away was a dangerous act with severe consequences, but it was seen as a way to assert their humanity and fight against the oppression of slavery.
Runaway slaves in the United States often attempted to reach free states in the North, Canada, or other countries where slavery was prohibited. These destinations provided the opportunity for freedom and safety from being captured and returned to their owners.
Slaves planned to run away by seeking help from other slaves or sympathetic individuals, gathering supplies such as food and clothing, choosing a route that would minimize their risk of being caught, and waiting for an opportune moment to escape under the cover of darkness. Some slaves also sought assistance from the Underground Railroad or passed along information through secret networks.
Slaves ran away by taking advantage of opportunities when they were unsupervised, seeking help from sympathetic individuals or communities, utilizing underground networks like the Underground Railroad, and making use of their knowledge of local terrain and resources.
Slaves who ran away faced harsh punishments such as beatings, mutilation, or even death when caught. In addition, escaping meant leaving behind any support networks and risking not being able to find a safe haven. The Fugitive Slave Act also allowed for the capture and return of escaped slaves, increasing the danger of running away.