1. From Compromise to Secession:
Section 1: The Compromise of 1850

2. President Zachary Taylor
Whig Party, 1848.
Opposed slavery in new states, supported slavery in existing states.
Strategy: popular sovereignty:1. would give North 2 free states. 2.acknowledge that South could bar or permit slavery within states’ borders.

3. Clay’s Compromise of 1850 1. California as a free state (N)
2. Mexican cession divided into Utah & New Mexico, & slavery left up to residents. (N/S)
3. Border dispute b/t Texas & N.M. in N.M’s favor. (N)
4. Fed. Gov’t to assume Texas’ debt. (S)
5. D.C.- abolish slave trade, continue slavery. (N,S)
6. Tough new fugitive-slave law. (S)

4. Continued Omnibus bill- bill including numerous items.
Stephen Douglas’ (Illinois) strategy to separate issues to gain majority support in Congress. “Little Giant” for small statute, but large political skills.
Worked! Each bill passed.

6. Fugitive Slave Act
Antislavery northerners opposed b/c it legalized kidnapping.
Denied fugitive trial by jury.
Did not allow them to testify on own behalf.
Permitted return to slavery on testimony of claimant.
Court appointed commissioner collected $10 if ruled in favor of slaveholder, but only $5 in favor of fugitive.
Marshals “hunting” for slaves on northern soil.
Targeted free slaves and free men.
Required all citizens to aid in capture of fugitive or face heavy fine.

7. continued
Widespread opposition- pg. 436, 2nd paragraph. (Anthony Burns)
Effect: more opposed slavery now that it was forcibly brought home to them.
Personal Liberty Laws:
Barred deportation of slaves.
Denied local jails to fed. Officials thus hampering enforcement.

8. Uncle Tom’s Cabin Written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1852
In response to Fugitive Slave Act.
300,000 copies sold in 1st year.
North- aroused anti-slavery feelings & sympathy for slaves.
South- angered & claimed unfair portrayal b/c Stowe had never lived in Deep South.
(saw it briefly on visit in Kentucky)

10. Election of 1852 Fugitive Slave Act divided Whig Party sectionally.
N. Whigs supported free soil.
Whigs nominated Winfield Scott
Platform: internal improvements (ignored slavery)

11. continued Democrats nominated Franklin Pierce.
Platform: Compromise of 1850 & popular sovereignty to all territories.
Whigs are split & Pierce wins in landslide.