The Impact of the War with Mexico Main Idea The question of whether to admit new states to the Union led to new tensions between the N and S over Slavery

Result of War . . . Acquired TX and CA Slaves? South also wanted help recapturing runaways

Wilmot Proviso Aug 1846, David Wilmot No slavery in new territory South mad Passes H.O.R but Senate refuses to vote

Popular Sovereignty Lewis Cass Citizens of new areas decide whether or not to allow slavery Appealed to Congress, seemed democratic

ELECTION OF 1848 Martin Van Buren Free-Soil party Conscience Whigs and Anti-Slavery Dem. Create new party Oppose slavery in western territories Back the Wilmot Proviso

ELECTION OF 1848 Lewis Cass Democrat Supports Popular Sovereignty

ELECTION OF 1848 Zachary Taylor Whig Party Cotton Whig (N. manufacturers linked to S. cotton) Avoided the issue of Slavery

ELECTION of 1848 Zachary Taylor wins 12 President

GOLD RUSH 1849 – 80,000 arrive in CA for gold “Forty-Niners” CA need strong government to maintain order Applies for statehood as free state Forced nation to debate issue of slavery

The Search for Compromise If CA a free state, then slaves a minority Southerners feared losing power Many talked of secession – leaving union Senator Henry Clay search for compromise Came up with an eight part plan Concession by both North and South

Features of Compromise of 1850 1a. California free state 1b. Rest Mexican Cession no restriction on slavery 2a. TX/NM border solved in favor of NM 2b. Government take on TX debt 3a. Slave trade abolished in DC 3b. But not slavery 4a. Congress not intervene in domestic slave trade 4b. New Fugitive Slave Act

Debate over Compromise (Parties) John C. Calhoun Defended South’s right Daniel Webster (MA) Responded with plea for compromise to save union

Final Solution (parties) Stephen A. Douglas (IL) Divided Compromise into smaller bills Allowed people to vote for or against parts they liked Compromise passed, but not permanent solution