Explain the historical context in which the following source was created. “We implore [beg] Christians and Christian ministers to interpose [get involved in this issue]. Their divine religion requires them to behold in every man a brother, and to labor for the advancement and regeneration of the human race. Whatever apologies may be offered for the toleration of slavery in the States, none can be offered for its extension into Territories where it does not exist, and where that extension involves the repeal of ancient law... Let all protest, earnestly and emphatically, by correspondence, through the press, by memorials, by resolutions of public meetings and legislative bodies… against this enormous crime.”

“Appeal of the Independent Democrats,” an article published in the newspaper National Era during the Congressional debate over the Kansas-Nebraska Act, written by Senator Salmon P. Chase (OH), Senator Charles Sumner (MA), Representative Joshua Reed Giddings (OH), Representative Edward Wade (OH), Representative Gerritt Smith (NY), Representative Alexander De Witt (MA), January 19, 1854.