1. President James Polk President in 1846 Native of North Carolina
Graduate of University of North Carolina

2. Map of United States 1840

3. Wilmot Proviso Representative David Wilmot of Pennsylvania
Introduces the Wilmot Proviso August 8, 1846
Slavery should be prohibited in any lands acquired from Mexico.

4. Senator John Calhoun South Carolina senator
Congress doesn’t have the right to ban slavery from any territory.
The Wilmot Proviso passes in the House but not the Senate

5. Territory Gained Through Mexican American War

6. GOLD! January 24, 1848 gold was discovered in California
Thousands swarm into the area (Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia and China)
Many people settle in California and in 1850 it applies for statehood.

7. U.S. Territory 1850

8. The Compromise of 1850
In September 1850 the Compromise of 1850 was passed.
Four Parts:
California would be admitted as a free state.
Selling of slaves banned in Washington, D.C.
Utah and New Mexico decide slavery issue by popular sovereignty.
Stronger fugitive slave laws.

9. Fugitive Slave Act

10. Fugitive Slave Act Also known as the “Bloodhound Law”
Any federal marshal who did not arrest a runaway slave would be fined $1000
Bonus given if they returned a fugitive slave
If caught aiding a slave (food/shelter) serve 6 months in jail or $1000 fine
Slaves caught not allowed a trial-had to go back to their master