The Compromise of 1850

Slavery Debate Erupts Again California’s Impact 1849 – 15 slave, 15 free states Oregon, Utah, New Mexico will become states soon, probably as free states Southerners feared they would become outnumbered in Congress Secession was suggested Northerners say CA should be free due to Missouri Compromise

Clay vs. Calhoun Henry Clay worked out the Missouri Compromise and was asked to help again Now 73 years old John C. Calhoun Suffered from tuberculosis – could not speak loudly Could not compromise Fear of civil war first appears Daniel Webster supported Clay but was willing to compromise and supported southern demands to have escaped slaves returned

Compromise of 1850 Calhoun and President Taylor both die in 1850 New President Fillmore supports Clay’s plan 5 points: 1. CA becomes Free State 2. Slave trade banned in D.C. 3. Fugitive Slave Act 4. Popular Sovereignty in NM and UT 5. Texas/NM border dispute settled

Fugitive Slave Act 1850 Requires all citizens to help catch runaway slaves $1000 fine/jail time for helping slaves escape No trial Judges received $10 for sending slaves back to South and $5 for setting them free

Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1852 Harriet Beecher Stowe Tells the story of a slave, Uncle Tom, who is abused by owner, eventually whipped to death. Sold millions of copies, translated into dozens of languages Southerners claimed it was not a true picture of slave life Changed many Northerners perspective on slavery