The system was ended by government order. It didn't die out.
It became politically possible because the economics of it collapsed. It had not been politically possible before. It died out.
If there were 700,000 at the end that's hardly an economic collpase. Slavery was banned by the government. It didn't 'die out'. It didn't 'collapse'.
...they would not have enjoyed the benefits and protections of the Fugitive Slave Clause of the US Constitution.
No they would have had the fugitive slave clause of the Confederate constitution.
They couldn't have stopped it.
Southerners were that inept, huh?
It was only politically possible for there to be a government order after political opposition ceased. That happened because it became uneconomic.
If there were 700,000 at the end that's hardly an economic collpase. Slavery was banned by the government. It didn't 'die out'. It didn't 'collapse'.
700,000 compared to how many before? Which slaves do you suppose go on the run - the strongest healthiest, most productive slaves, or the young/old, sick, weak least productive slaves?
No they would have had the fugitive slave clause of the Confederate constitution.
Which would have been worth nothing the second they crossed that 1500 mile border they could not possibly secure.
Southerners were that inept, huh?
Its about 1500 miles. They had a total White population of maybe a couple million if that. Mid 19th century technology was nothing like modern technology. Look how much trouble the US has securing its much shorter border with Mexico today even with modern technology like planes, drones, smart fences, cameras, cars, infrared lenses, night vision, etc etc.