Violence
- Because of two conflicting opinions, government was constantly changing
- John W. Geary, third governor of territorial Kansas, had goal of restoring order
- Proslavery settlers were hopeful they would gain his support, but after he ordered border ruffians to stop interfering with free-state settlers’ supplies on Mississippi River, legislators decided to veto any of his suggestions--proslavers plotted to kill Geary because of his vetoes, and he fled (McArthur 75)
- Incident with Geary is example of politics spiraling out of control, allegiance with any party could result in violent responses from opposing groups
- One of most notable examples of violence during this period, Pottawatomie Creek Massacre, was in retaliation to the Sack of Lawrence, an attack by proslavery settlers against its inhabitants, including many NEEAC emigrants
- In the attack, John Brown and his “Army of the North” stormed houses of proslavery enemies
- Armed with rifles, knives, and broadswords, Brown and group brutally hacked five victims
- Brown’s opponents became furious, as Brown’s retaliation included murder, taking conflict to new level
- While Brown eluded capture, his property family, and supporters were targeted by Border Ruffians (“The Pottawatomie Creek Massacre”)
- By end of 1856, over 200 people would lose lives in similar conflicts, with millions of dollars of property damages
- Government interference was insignificant
- From conflicting parties in Kansas, violent actions were taken with devastating results