Crisis and Compromise: 1820-1861

Maintaining a Political Balance Between North and South Missouri Compromise – 1820: Alabama was admitted as a slave state in 1819 (making 11 slave states and 11 free states) The Territory of Missouri asked to be admitted as a slave state which would upset the balance in Congress.

The “Great Compromiser” Henry Clay of Kentucky proposed a compromise over Missouri – terms: Missouri would be admitted as a slave state. Maine was admitted as a free state. The Rest of the Louisiana Purchase north of the 36°30 parallel would be free

Missouri Compromise (1820)

The Abolition Movement Support for abolishing slavery began to grow during the early 1800s. Propaganda and the press: “The Liberator” – newspaper written by William Lloyd Garrison, denouncing the evils of slavery. Uncle Tom’s Cabin – book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe about life as a slave.

The Abolition Movement Escape of slaves – Harriet Tubman created the “Underground Railroad” to help slaves escape from the south across the Mason-Dixon Line, and later to Canada.

Mason-Dixon Line

Deadlock over Texas Texas wanted to be admitted into the union as a slave state (Arkansas had been admitted as a slave state in 1836, and Michigan as a free state in 1837). James Polk won the Election of 1844, and then Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1845.

Deadlock over Texas Resolution Terms: Texas would be admitted as a slave state. If Texas did divide, any land north of 36°30 parallel would be free. United States would take over the boundary dispute with Mexico.

Election of 1848 Polk decided not to run for re-election. Parties and their candidates: a. Whigs – Zachary Taylor (“Old Rough and Ready”) b. Democrats – Lewis Cass (Michigan) c. Free-Soil Party – Martin Van Buren (opposed further extension of slavery into the Territories).

Election of 1848 Winners – Zachary Taylor as President, and Millard Fillmore as Vice President.

Controversial Issues Now Facing the Nation California’s entry into the union as a free state. Boundary dispute between Texas and the unorganized Territory of New Mexico Southern proposal for a new, more effective Fugitive Slave Law

Groups Form Over Division of the Southwest Build upon the success of the Missouri Compromise – Polk. Wilmot Proviso – no slavery in lands acquired from Mexico – David Wilmot Congress has no right to prohibit slavery in the Southwest – John C. Calhoun Popular Sovereignty – Stephen A. Douglas

Compromise of 1850 Compromise was developed by Henry Clay Key Provisions: Admission of California as a free state. Organization of Mexican lands based on popular sovereignty.

Compromise of 1850

Election of 1852 Parties and their candidates: Democrats – Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire. Whigs – Winfield Scott Free-Soil – John Hale Winners – Pierce as President, and William R.D. King as Vice President

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) Authored by Stephen A. Douglas Key Provisions: Created the Kansas & Nebraska territories Declared the Missouri Compromise void Slavery in the territories would be decided by Popular Sovereignty

Kansas-Nebraska Act