Question

As a strong supporter of 'law and order', Abraham Lincoln was shocked by the events in Kansas after the passing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854), involving John Brown's vigilantism. What was the impact of the Kansas-Nebraska Act on Abraham Lincoln's views on 'law and order'?

1) It strengthened his belief in 'law and order' and he supported the actions of John Brown.
2) It had no impact on his views on 'law and order'.
3) It caused him to question his belief in 'law and order' and he condemned the actions of John Brown.
4) It made him indifferent towards 'law and order' and he did not take a stance on the actions of John Brown.

Answer 1

The impact of the Kansas-Nebraska Act on Abraham Lincoln was that it caused him to question his belief in 'law and order' and he condemned the actions of John Brown.

Step-by-step explanation:

The impact of the Kansas-Nebraska Act on Abraham Lincoln's views on 'law and order' was that it caused him to question his belief in 'law and order' and he condemned the actions of John Brown.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act, proposed by Stephen Douglas, allowed for popular sovereignty in Kansas and Nebraska, meaning that the residents of these territories could decide whether to allow or ban slavery. This led to violent clashes between proslavery and antislavery forces in Kansas, known as 'Bleeding Kansas'.

John Brown, an abolitionist, resorted to vigilantism and carried out acts of violence against proslavery forces. Lincoln believed in 'law and order' and was shocked by Brown's actions, leading him to question his belief in 'law and order'. He condemned Brown's actions and did not support them.