Final answer:
The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 significantly influenced Harriet's decisions in 1851, making escape more perilous and compelling the need for safer routes, likely leading to her seeking refuge further north in Canada.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 had a profound impact on Harriet and others' decisions regarding journeys to freedom in 1851. Under the law's severe conditions, which included the denial of a jury trial for the accused and the incentivization of commissioners to rule in favor of slaveholders, it became incredibly risky for slaves to attempt escape and for others to assist them. Moreover, the law mandated that citizens aid in the recapture of runaways and penalized those who refused with fines and imprisonment. The oppressive nature of the law, coupled with its broad reach even into Northern states that were traditionally more sympathetic to the plight of runaway slaves, drastically increased the stakes of any attempt at escape. These circumstances likely forced Harriet and others to take extra precautions and seek new, safer routes, pushing many towards moving further north to Canada, where they would be out of the reach of the Fugitive Slave Law.