APUSH Review: The Compromise of 1850

Summary

The Compromise of 1850 was a pivotal agreement designed to ease tensions between free and slave states after the Mexican-American War. Key figures like Henry Clay and Stephen Douglas facilitated the compromise, which included admitting California as a free state, abolishing the slave trade in D.C., and allowing popular sovereignty in New Mexico and Utah. The stringent Fugitive Slave Act provoked Northern resistance and fostered abolitionist sentiments. Although the compromise temporarily staved off civil conflict, it underscored the growing divide between North and South, setting the stage for future confrontations over slavery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Compromise of 1850 was a pivotal agreement aimed at easing sectional tensions in America.
• 😀 Key figures included Henry Clay, Stephen Douglas, John C. Calhoun, and Daniel Webster, each advocating different views on slavery.
• 😀 The compromise resulted in California being admitted as a free state, tipping the Senate balance in favor of free states.
• 😀 The slave trade was abolished in Washington, D.C., although slavery itself remained legal there.
• 😀 Popular sovereignty was introduced for the new territories of New Mexico and Utah, allowing residents to decide on slavery.
• 😀 A stricter Fugitive Slave Act was enacted, requiring Northerners to assist in the capture of escaped slaves, which angered many in the North.
• 😀 Texas was compensated with $10 million to resolve its debts and border disputes as part of the compromise.
• 😀 The tensions in Congress were intense, exemplified by incidents like a senator pulling a gun on another during debates.
• 😀 The compromise delayed the Civil War, giving the North more time to industrialize and solidify its opposition to slavery.
• 😀 Personal Liberty Laws in Northern states arose in response to the Fugitive Slave Act, leading to increased support for the abolitionist movement.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the Compromise of 1850?

The Compromise of 1850 aimed to ease tensions between free and slave states in the United States, addressing issues arising from the expansion of territory after the Mexican-American War.

Who introduced the Compromise of 1850, and what was his significance?

Henry Clay introduced the Compromise of 1850; he was known as the 'Great Compromiser' for his role in brokering agreements to maintain the Union.

What role did Stephen Douglas play in the Compromise?

Stephen Douglas, a senator from Illinois, was instrumental in garnering support for the compromise and worked closely with Henry Clay to ensure its passage.

What was the Wilmot Proviso, and why did it fail?

The Wilmot Proviso proposed to prohibit slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico but failed in the Senate due to an equal number of free and slave state senators.

What were the five main components of the Compromise of 1850?

1) California admitted as a free state, 2) Abolition of the slave trade in Washington, D.C., 3) Popular sovereignty for New Mexico and Utah territories, 4) Stricter Fugitive Slave Act, 5) Texas compensated with $10 million for border disputes.

How did the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 affect Northern sentiments?

The stricter Fugitive Slave Act angered many Northerners and led to increased support for the abolitionist movement, as it required Northerners to actively participate in capturing runaway slaves.

What was the significance of Daniel Webster's Seventh of March speech?

Daniel Webster's Seventh of March speech urged Northerners to support the Fugitive Slave Law and the Compromise, which alienated many abolitionists who viewed it as a betrayal.

What were the consequences of the tensions displayed in Congress during the debates?

The intense debates in Congress, including threats of violence, indicated the deepening divisions between North and South, foreshadowing future conflicts leading to the Civil War.

Why do some historians view the Compromise of 1850 as ultimately beneficial?

Historians argue that the Compromise of 1850 delayed the Civil War, providing the North additional time to industrialize and prepare for future conflicts.

What are some potential essay topics related to the Compromise of 1850?

Potential essay topics include analyzing the effectiveness of political compromise in reducing sectional tensions, reasons for the change in political dynamics by 1860, and the impact of westward expansion on North-South relations.