Topic: Evaluating the role of Sectionalism in the 1850s DO NOW:

Election of 1848 and California Cass (Democrat) vs. Taylor (Whig) Slavery issue ignored in the election Free Soil Party runs Taylor wins, Whigs in again Quiet until the California issue: Gold discovered in Cal in 1849 “gold fever” Enough population influx to become a state immediately California wants to enter the union… as a free state! Taylor supports this; south angry

Southern Sectionalism 1850: South prosperous, but still not satisfied South outnumbered in the House, despite 3/5 comp  why? California threatened the sectional balance in congress Where else can slavery expand? “Fire-eaters” Runaway slaves, northern agitators Is slavery threatened?

The Union in Crisis Union is breaking down  secession threats Congress tries to solve the problem Clay: both sides must compromise Calhoun: south must be “left alone” Webster: concessions are required to keep the union together 7th of March Speech Congress decides on the Compromise of 1850 President Taylor threatens to veto it Taylor dies, VP Fillmore approves the compromise

Compromise of 1850 Northern Gains California admitted as a Free State Slave trade banned in Washington DC Southern Gains Stronger Fugitive Slave Law Western territories open to possible slavery

Conclusion 1) Was it right for the North to compromise with the slave South in 1850? Explain 2) Short of abolition or secession, what else could have been done to stop sectionalism?