1. MO Comp & Nullification 12-2
Missouri Compromise
There was an uproar in the Senate over Missouri being admitted to the Union
What was the uproar about?
Missouri wanted to be admitted as a slave state
If MO was admitted the number of free states and slave states would no longer be equal
Why did this matter?

2. MO Comp & Nullification 12-2
What could be done to keep the balance of free states and slave states?
Henry Clay wrote the MO Compromise:
Missouri admitted as a slave state
Maine admitted as a free state
Slavery prohibited above 36º 30’ N (in remainder of LA Purchase)

4. MO Comp & Nullification 12-2
Nullify: to legally overturn a federal law that is unconstitutional
What does unconstitutional mean?
Protective tariffs (taxes on imported goods) were nullified by the South because they felt the taxes were unjust
Why would the South not support tariffs?
Do states have the right to overturn federal laws?

5. MO Comp & Nullification 12-2
John C. Calhoun questioned if the tariffs were unconstitutional
This questioning is planting the seeds for secession…questioning the authority of the federal government

6. Western Lands
12-2
Conflicting Views
Slavery is an issue again when TX, NM, and CA apply for statehood
Should it be an issue?
MO Comp. Line

7. It passes in the House, but not the Senate
Western Lands
12-2
James K. Polk wins the election of 1844 and pressures Congress for Texas statehood
Why?
David Wilmot presents his plan to Congress: The Wilmot Proviso prohibited slavery in lands acquired from Mexico
It passes in the House, but not the Senate
Do you suppose the North or South was blocking its passage?
John C. Calhoun argues that Congress can’t regulate slavery or ban it

8. Search for Compromise Zachary Taylor elected president in 1848
Western Lands
12-2
Search for Compromise
Zachary Taylor elected president in 1848
Taylor wants CA and NM to apply for statehood – and he wants to keep the balance in the Senate
Henry Clay proposed a solution that caused huge debates in Congress
What do you suppose the debates were about?

9. Calhoun felt the only way to save the Union was to preserve slavery
Western Lands
12-2
Calhoun felt the only way to save the Union was to preserve slavery
Clay’s plan would not pass as a package
Senator Stephen Douglas divided Clay’s plan into five separate issues to be voted on separately
Together they became known as the Compromise of 1850

10. 1. California admitted as a free state
Western Lands
12-2
A compromise means each side gives up something to get something… Think about who benefited – North or South?
Compromise of 1850
1. California admitted as a free state
Who wanted this part of the compromise?
2. NM would have no restrictions on slavery
Who wanted this part of the compromise?
3. NM-TX border dispute was settled in favor of NM
Who wanted this part of the compromise?
4. Slave trade abolished in DC (NOT slavery – just the slave trade
Who wanted this part of the compromise?
5. Stronger Fugitive Slave Law
Who wanted this part of the compromise?

11. Who do you think was the bigger winner with the Compromise of 1850?