1. New Political Parties Emerge
- divided over slavery
Northern: largely opposed Comp of 1850 due to
Southern: election of 1852 (Dem. Pierce won) saw support go from 50% to 35%
KS-NE Act: final straw -
Formed the aka
Concerned about the number of immigrants and the fact that many were Catholic
Slavery was also a divisive issue

2. Antislavery Parties Form
(1844)
Very small, but had helped Polk win election of 1844
(1848)
Opposed expansion of slavery into the territories
10% of popular vote in 1848 (no electoral votes)

3. Party Unhappy Northern Whigs + antislavery Democrats + Free Soilers =
Opposed expansion of slavery into territories
Events of led to Rep. growth

4. 1856 Election
Results
Dem. - could win with a candidate in the North that did not alienate the South
Rep. - a force in the North
K-N. - on the decline
Know-Nothing 8
22%
Rep
114
33%
Dem
174
45%

7. Major Political Parties 1850-1860
Party
Established
Major Platform
1848
Anti-extension of slavery
Pro-labor
1854
Anti-immigration
Anti-Catholic
1834
Pro-business
Divided on slavery
Opposed expansion of slavery into territories
1840
States’ rights
Limited government
Divided over slavery