The Politics of Slavery

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: Why did people go to California in 1849? (5) 2. Notes: Politics of Slavery (25) 3. Compromise of 1850 Chart Analysis (15) 4. Review Guide (10) 5. Kahoot Review (20) 6. Pass Back Tests (5)

North vs South Calhoun stated that the festering issue of slavery will lead to struggles. The North and South influence that was equal when the Constitution was written is no longer the case. The North is industrious, diverse, and expanding. The South stuck to rural notions of prosperity through agriculture. Slavery dominated the discussion.

Slavery in the Territories David Wilmot proposed that any territory seized from Mexico not allow slavery. This was in conflict with lines drawn under the Missouri Compromise in 1820. The South argued that it went against the Constitutional right to property. Even though it failed the senate, it would show that nobody could settle the issue of slavery. California enters the Union as a Free state, and the South is angry, leading to debate in Congress.

Senate Debates Henry Clay saw this issue and attempted to please both parties with the Compromise of 1850. California is a free state The Fugitive Slave act would be strengthened. New Mexico and Utah had popular sovereignty, saying they would vote to either allow, or prohibit slavery in the territory.

Calhoun and Webster These two senators debate the merits of states rights vs a need to preserve the Union. Even with the compromise, it would fail to be passed. Stephen Douglas would have to separate the ideas and have individual votes on each part, thus passing all portions of the Compromise, right after Millard Fillmore becomes President.

Compromise of 1850 Analysis Calhoun’s Ideas Compromise of 1850 Webster’s Ideas