LESSON 3 The Crisis of the 1850s

Manifest Destiny Manifest Destiny was the belief that Americans had a God-given right to own all the land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Many Americans also believed it was their duty to spread American political, economic, and social values to others. The United States achieved its manifest destiny through treaties with other nations and from a war with Mexico, which cost Mexico a third of its land.

“American Progress” This 1872 painting was titled “American Progress” by its painter John Gast. Why do you think it has come to represent the idea of Manifest Destiny?

Achieving Manifest Destiny The Mexican Cession is the land gained by the United States from Mexico as a result of the Mexican War, 1846–1848. What states were eventually carved out of this land that once belonged to Mexico?

The Question of Slavery A Growing Divide The Question of Slavery The debate over slavery intensified after the Mexican War. Congress had to figure out if slavery would be allowed in the new states territories. Before the war, the proposed Wilmot Proviso sought to ban slavery from any land won in the war with Mexico. Although it did not become law, it was a sign that tensions were rising and war was coming.

Compromise of 1850 The Compromise had four key points: A Growing Divide Compromise of 1850 The Compromise had four key points: Allowed California to become a free state. Created Utah and New Mexico and let the people there decide on the slavery issue (popular sovereignty). Discontinued the slave trade in Washington, DC. Strengthened the Fugitive Slave Law. Few people were pleased with the compromise. Calhoun was furious.

The Compromise of 1850 Henry Clay speaking to the Senate about the Compromise of 1850. Daniel Webster is seated to his left, and John C Calhoun is seated to the left of the Speaker’s chair.

Opposition to the Compromise: South Carolina Considers Secession A Growing Divide Opposition to the Compromise: South Carolina Considers Secession Three groups formed in South Carolina. Secessionists wanted South Carolina to secede from the US. Unionists wanted to stay in the Union. Cooperationists thought seceding would be okay only if other states followed. At a convention, the leaders of South Carolina decided secession wasn’t necessary yet.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act A Growing Divide The Kansas-Nebraska Act Part of the Louisiana Purchase became Kansas and Nebraska. The Kansas-Nebraska Act overturned the Missouri Compromise and allowed slavery question to be settled by popular sovereignty. Pro-slavery men went to Kansas to intimidate voters into voting for slavery. Abolitionists, including John Brown, fought back. Kansas became known as “Bleeding Kansas” because of all the bloodshed.

A Growing Divide Bloody Congress Outspoken Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, was attacked by South Carolina Congressman Preston Brooks after speaking out against slavery in Congress. How did Northerners and Southerners react to this event? How was the event a sign that relations between the regions were beyond repair?

What do you think the creator of this cartoon thought about event? A Growing Divide Bloody Congress What do you think the creator of this cartoon thought about event?

Birth of the Republican Party A Growing Divide Birth of the Republican Party Events in Kansas and Congress deepened the divide between North and South The Whig Party died because of divisions over slavery. Abolitionists and free-soilers from the Whig Party joined with others to form the new Republican Party.

The Dred Scott Decision A Growing Divide The Dred Scott Decision Dred Scott was a Missouri slave who lived with his master in free states for many years. When his master died, he sued for his freedom. The Supreme Court denied Scott’s claim, ruling that because he was black he was not a citizen and therefore had no rights, including the right to file a lawsuit.

A Growing Divide Raid on Harpers Ferry John Brown, an ardent abolitionist, wanted to start a slave rebellion in Virginia. With 20 men, he seized the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Colonel Robert E. Lee captured Brown and he was hanged publicly. Brown became a martyr for the abolitionist cause.

A Growing Divide Raid on Harpers Ferry A newspaper illustration shows John Brown and his followers moments before solders led by Col. Robert E. Lee captured them.

John Brown—Villain or Hero A Growing Divide John Brown—Villain or Hero John Brown remains one of the most controversial figures in US History. His supporters viewed his actions as heroic. They believed his death made him a martyr for the abolitionist cause. His opponents saw him as a terrorist, who used violence to promote his cause. What do you think?

A Growing Divide The Election of 1860 The country was bitterly divided on the issue of slavery, and the tension came to a climax in 1860 with the election of Abraham Lincoln. Four candidates: Lincoln—Republican Stephen Douglas—Northern Democrats John C. Breckinridge—Southern Democrats John Bell—Constitutional Union Party Lincoln won. South Carolina seceded about a month later.

This political cartoon criticized the rowdy divisions in national politics that came out in the 1860 election. Why do you think the artist does not seem to support any of the candidates?

The Election of 1860