1. 1850’s and the politics of slavery?
The Debate continues

2. DO NOW
Can a legislative compromise solve a moral issue?

3. Differences between North & South
Railroads
Industry
Immigrants
South
Slavery
Agriculture

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

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

6. 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!

7. 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)

8. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 1840 – 1861 Underground Railroad
A secret network of people who helped slaves escape to the north (Canada)

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. National Geographic Underground Railroad http://education

19. 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

20. 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)