The Divisive Politics of Slavery 10.1
BIG IDEAS MAIN IDEA: The issue of slavery dominated U.S. politics in the early 1850’s WHY IT MATTERS NOW: U.S. society continues to be challenged by issues of fairness, equality, race, and class.
Slavery in the Territories As tensions between the states grew, issues in expanding America only added to the slavery problem. Democrat David Wilmot (PA) introduced an amendment proposing that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist” in any territory acquired by the U.S. This became known as the Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso As the idea of manifest destiny continued to grow tensions rose between the North and South in congress Southern congressmen refused to vote on important national improvements that would help the north (canals, roads) Northern congressmen feared adding slave territory would give the South an upper hand
Controversy in California The Gold rush causes population growth at an expanded rate CA skips territorial phase and applies for statehood AS A FREE STATE How does the Missouri Compromise effect CA’s decision to enter the union as free and not slave?
1850 US
Clay and the Compromise of 1850 CA is a free state More effective Fugitive Slave Law New Mexico and Utah—Popular sovereignty or the right to vote for or against slavery Federal Government will pay $10 million for TX give up territory in NM
Compromise of 1850
Clay and the Compromise of 1850 CA is a free state More effective Fugitive Slave Law New Mexico and Utah—Popular sovereignty or the right to vote for or against slavery Federal Government will pay $10 million for TX give up territory in NM
Fugitive Slave Law Summarize the Law in 4 bullet points How did the commissioner make money if the slave was returned to slavery? What is the significance of this? How did people protest against this law? Why do you think many African Americans moved with the passing of this law?