1850’s and the politics of slavery? The Debate continues

DO NOW Can a legislative compromise solve a moral issue?

Differences between North & South Railroads Industry Immigrants South Slavery Agriculture

North: Industry & Immigration Cities growing (Chicago)-densely population 90% of manufactured goods produced in the North Most immigrants opposed slavery - competition for unskilled jobs  

South: Agriculture & Slavery Agricultural society Few immigrants go to South - can’t compete with slavery

How did the US address slavery over the decades? In the Declaration of Independence In the Constitution Missouri Compromise Wilmot Proviso The SLAVERY debate continues!

Congress debates over the fate of California CA declares itself to be a “free” state Part of CA is above the 36 30’ Parallel According to the Missouri Compromise it should be open to slavery The south is upset and they threaten to secede (leave to Union)

Compromise of 1850 “The Great Compromiser” Henry Clay to the rescue Terms of the Compromise: 1 – California will be a free state 2- Popular Sovereignty for New Mexico & Utah They will decide for themselves if they want slavery 3 – Washington D.C. Slave trade is banned 4- A new fugitive slave law

Approving the Compromise of 1850 Webster & Calhoun Debate in the Senate All terms of compromise put into ONE vote – Omnibus Bill Congress is deadlocked!

Why does it Pass Stephen Douglas (Senator from Illinois) Let’s vote on each one separately Death of Calhoun and President Taylor Taylor & Calhoun were against the compromise for opposing reasons 1957 – US Senator voted Calhoun one of the five most influential senators of all time. Millard Fillmore He becomes President and likes the compromise Compromise of 1850 signed into law

1850 Fugitive Slave Law Only a description needed to return a runaway slave No trial by jury & they cannot testify for themselves If a person helps a runaway slave: 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine

The North Responds Personal Liberty Laws Laws passed in the north They forbid putting runaway slaves in prison

1840 – 1861 Underground Railroad A secret network of people who helped slaves escape to the north (Canada)

Underground Railroad Conductors People who lead slaves to the north Lines Secret routes taken to the north Freight Slaves who were escaping north Stations Stops for slaves to eat and sleep

Harriet Tubman Nicknamed “Moses” She was a famous Conductor Helped over 300 slaves escape to freedom There was a $40,000 bounty for her capture

Levi Coffin A white abolitionist A famous Conductor He was stationed in Cincinnati, Ohio

National Geographic Underground Railroad http://education

Codes and Phrases “The wind blows from the south today” Warning of slave bounty hunters nearby “A friend with friends” A signal of the arrival of fugitive slaves with Underground Railroad Conductor “The friend of a friend sent me” Used by fugitive slaves traveling alone to indicate they are escaping by the Underground Railroad network. “Load of Potatoes, Parcel, or Bundles of Wood” Fugitive slaves to be expected

1852 Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin A best selling book that exposed the realities of slavery It shocked and opened the eyes of many about the evil and harsh institution of slavery 1.5 million copies sold worldwide (printed in many languages)