Slavery in the Territories The Missouri Compromise, Wilmot Proviso, Free-Soil Party

The Missouri Compromise (1820) 11 Free and 11 slave states when Missouri applies for statehood Missouri applies as a slave state –arguments erupt in the Senate Henry Clay makes a proposal –Missouri Compromise - Suggests admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state –Also, drew an imaginary line across the Southern border of Missouri that banned slavery in any northern part of the Louisiana Purchase above that line except for Missouri

Map of the Missouri Compromise

Slavery in the West In 1848, the Mexican War added western land to the U.S. –Once again, slavery was an issue. Wilmot Proviso - David Wilmot, a PA Congressman suggested a law that banned slavery in the western U.S. –The House passed the Proviso in 1848, but the Senate defeated it.

The Views 1. Ban Slavery –Abolitionists wanted it banned throughout the country 2. Moderate views –Some argued Missouri Compromise line should extend across the Mexican Cession to the Pacific. –Popular Sovereignty - the right of people to vote on if they want slavery 3. Keep Slavery

The Free-Soil Party By 1848, most northern Democrats and Whigs opposed slavery. –However, weren’t willing to risk isolating Southern members by making an official stance. Free-Soil Party (members of both parties with one goal)- goal was to keep slavery out of the western territories –Not many wanted to end slavery in the South.

Election of 1848 Free-Soil nominated Martin Van Buren, Democrats chose Lewis Cass, and the Whigs selected Zachary Taylor. For the first time, slavery was an important issue. –Van Buren called for slavery ban in west, Cass wanted popular sovereignty, and Taylor did not speak on the issue (but he did own slaves) Zachary Taylor won the election, but Free-Soilers won seats in Congress.