What happened as a result of elections to choose a government in Kansas in the mid 1850s

Both proslavery and antislavery groups claimed victory.

They were marred by fraud and violence.

Explanation:

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Some "border Ruffians" invaded the State in order to force the election of a pro-slavery legislature.

A series of violent civil confrontations happened then, between the 1854 to 1861, involving groups that were either pro or against slavery, to decide if Kansas would join the Union as a free State or a Slaver State.

These conflits became known as Bleeding Kansas.

On January 29, 1861, Kansas joined the Union as a free State.