The Federal government acted, knowingly that the issue was sensitive, it limited the discussions and arguments in petitions of anti-slavery Congress. The abolitionists, on the other hand, has created a wide movement; consisting of civil organizations, church organizations, political party, and anti-slavery society. It was triggered after the death of Elijah PArish Lovejoy an advocate of the cause. However it did not stop the abolitionist, they moved on with the struggle.
