Brokering the Compromise of 1850
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What significant aspect was declared in Article One, Section Nine of the Confederate Constitution?

  • All territories were to be free of slavery.
  • No law impairing property rights in slaves would be passed. (correct)
  • Slavery was to be gradually abolished.
  • Slavery was recognized only in Confederate states.

Who was chosen as the president of the Confederate States of America?

  • Robert E. Lee
  • Alexander Stephens
  • Jefferson Davis (correct)
  • John C. Calhoun

What was one of the main outcomes of the Civil War?

  • Withdrawal of federal troops from the South
  • Preservation of the Union (correct)
  • Expansion of slavery into new territories
  • Formation of new southern states

What political principle allowed for the decision on slavery in new territories?

<p>Popular sovereignty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states joined the Confederacy by 1861?

<p>Virginia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Lincoln state regarding his intentions towards slavery in the states where it existed?

<p>He would not interfere with it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sparked the increased tensions leading to secession in the South?

<p>Lincoln's election (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What position did Lincoln take regarding secession during his inaugural address?

<p>Secession was unconstitutional. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a significant conflict indicative of rising tensions over slavery?

<p>Bleeding Kansas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which key issue did the debate over statehood for Missouri and Texas revolve around?

<p>Slavery's expansion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of the Confederacy regarding new territories?

<p>Ensuring the expansion of slavery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately reflects public sentiment in the South as Lincoln took office?

<p>Southern nationalism was on the rise. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was a prominent leader of the abolitionist movement?

<p>William Lloyd Garrison (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle did the Compromise of 1850 attempt to apply to new territories?

<p>Popular sovereignty (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Southern delegates fail to achieve during their conference with Lincoln?

<p>Securing a promise of peace. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor that did NOT directly lead to the Civil War?

<p>Direct conflict over tariffs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary issue Congress faced in relation to the Mexican Cession in 1850?

<p>Deciding the status of slavery in the new territories (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which issue did antislavery advocates hope to address regarding the District of Columbia?

<p>Ending the slave trade (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of the Fugitive Slave Act on Northern society?

<p>It forced many Northerners to act against their beliefs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Democratic candidate in the 1848 presidential election who supported popular sovereignty?

<p>Lewis Cass (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Fugitive Slave Act incentivize federal commissioners?

<p>They earned money for sending captured individuals to the South. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of most Southerners to the Compromise of 1850?

<p>They wanted to maintain slavery where it existed and expand it. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Free-Soil Party primarily attract within its voter base?

<p>Abolitionists and anti-slavery Democrats (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Fugitive Slave Act for free Black individuals in the North?

<p>They were often wrongfully captured and enslaved. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which state was considered the 'crown jewel' of the Mexican Cession after the discovery of gold?

<p>California (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the conventions held by Southerners after the Compromise of 1850?

<p>They discussed methods to protect the institution of slavery. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the stance of the Whigs and Democrats in the North during the 1848 election?

<p>Promise to keep territories free of slavery (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about the proceedings overseen by federal commissioners under the Fugitive Slave Act?

<p>There were no juries, and alleged runaways couldn't testify. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was Zachary Taylor appealing to southern voters during the election?

<p>His status as a military hero and slaveholder (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What main controversy involved the territorial border between Texas and New Mexico?

<p>Claims for additional land expansion by Texans (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did abolitionist societies respond to the Fugitive Slave Act?

<p>They increased efforts to prevent kidnappings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the general perception of the Compromise of 1850 among Americans?

<p>It was seen as a temporary measure that failed to address deeper issues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Corwin amendment introduced in February 1861?

<p>To prevent Congress from passing laws that would abolish slavery (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event is considered the flashpoint in the conflict between the Confederacy and the federal government?

<p>The firing on Fort Sumter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states ratified the Corwin amendment in 1861?

<p>Ohio (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What pressure did Jefferson Davis face regarding Fort Sumter?

<p>Pressure to take Fort Sumter to show resolve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Lincoln employ regarding the resupply of Union forces at Fort Sumter?

<p>He announced his intent to resupply the fort to shift blame to the Confederates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Confederate takeover of Fort Sumter?

<p>It strengthened Northern resolve to maintain the Union (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who supported the Corwin amendment before Lincoln's inauguration?

<p>James Buchanan (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the Union garrison at Fort Sumter face as its supplies dwindled?

<p>Local merchants refusing to sell food to them (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What incident amplified the sense of a conspiracy of southern power among northern abolitionists?

<p>The support of the Fugitive Slave Act by President Franklin Pierce (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element in Uncle Tom's Cabin emphasizes the idea that slavery destroys families?

<p>Eliza's escape with her baby (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Harriet Beecher Stowe aim to highlight through her portrayal of White citizens in Uncle Tom's Cabin?

<p>The dehumanizing effects of slavery on both enslaved people and White individuals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant outcomes of Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin?

<p>It helped strengthen the abolitionist movement in the North. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Uncle Tom's Cabin contribute to shaping public opinion about slavery?

<p>Through fictional accounts that resonated emotionally with readers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in the success of Uncle Tom's Cabin?

<p>Its publication in multiple languages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of people believed it was their moral obligation to influence public opinion regarding slavery?

<p>Women like Harriet Beecher Stowe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character in Uncle Tom's Cabin represents the brutality of the slave trade?

<p>Simon Legree (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mexican Cession

The acquisition of western territories by the United States following the Mexican-American War.

Compromise of 1850

A series of laws passed to address the issue of slavery in newly acquired territories.

Popular Sovereignty

Letting citizens in territories vote on whether to allow slavery.

Free-Soil Party

A political party formed to oppose the expansion of slavery into new territories.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wilmot Proviso

Proposed legislation to ban slavery in all territories acquired from Mexico.

Signup and view all the flashcards

California's status

California was expected to be a free state due to the Mexican ban on slavery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

1848 Presidential Election

Election that failed to provide a clear solution to the issue of slavery in the newly gained territories.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fugitive Slave Laws

Laws that aimed to strengthen the return of enslaved people who escaped to free states.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Federal Commissioners

Officials appointed by the federal government to decide the fate of runaway slaves captured.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Financial incentive for commissioners

Commissioners received money for sending captured individuals back to the South. This created a conflict of interest, as they were encouraged to deem individuals slaves even if they may be free.

Signup and view all the flashcards

No Jury for Runaways

Runaway slaves accused of escaping were not allowed a jury trial to prove their case.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Abolitionist Societies

Groups of people who actively campaigned to end slavery in the United States.

Signup and view all the flashcards

The Compromise of 1850 Failed to Solve the Problem

Despite attempts to find a solution, the Compromise of 1850 ultimately failed to resolve the issue of slavery in the United States. Instead, it ignited further tensions and sparked further conflict between the North and South.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Southern Secession

Several Southern states eventually decided to leave the Union in response to continued conflict over slavery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Burns Incident

The case of Anthony Burns, an escaped slave captured in Boston in 1854, who was returned to his owner despite fierce protests. This event highlighted the harsh reality of the Fugitive Slave Act and further angered abolitionists.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Uncle Tom's Cabin

A novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe, published in 1852, depicted the harsh realities of slavery and its impact on individuals and families. The novel became a powerful symbol of abolitionist sentiment in the North.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stowe's Message

Stowe's novel aimed to expose the moral wrongness of slavery by highlighting its impact on families, its dehumanizing effects on both enslaved and those who profited from it, and the corruption it caused.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why was 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' so influential?

Stowe's novel resonated deeply with readers in the North, becoming a bestseller and influencing public opinion. It strengthened abolitionist sentiment, making the fight against slavery more prominent.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stowe's Role

Stowe was a woman who played a crucial role in shaping public opinion against slavery. Her novel demonstrated women's agency in social change, despite their limited political rights.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Impact on Northern Opinion

Stowe's novel, along with events like the Burns incident, strengthened anti-slavery sentiment in the North. This increasing opposition to slavery contributed to the growing tensions between the North and South.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Women's Role in Abolition

Women like Harriet Beecher Stowe played a significant role in the abolitionist movement. They used their voices and influence to raise awareness and promote change, despite societal limitations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fort Sumter

A federal fort in Charleston, South Carolina, that was held by a small Union garrison. It became the focal point of conflict between the Confederacy and the Union.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fire-Eaters

Radical Southern politicians who advocated for secession and immediate military action against the Union.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Confederate Government's Resolve

The Confederate government's determination to establish its independence and authority.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Foreign Recognition

Support or acknowledgement of the Confederacy's legitimacy by other nations, particularly from Great Britain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Resupply Mission

President Lincoln's plan to send supplies to the Union troops at Fort Sumter, leading to the Confederacy's attack.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vulnerable Target

Fort Sumter's small garrison made it an easily capturable target for the Confederacy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Flashpoint

The pivotal event that ignited the Civil War, in this case, the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Charleston's Significance

Charleston was a major Atlantic port in the South, making Fort Sumter strategically important for the Confederacy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Confederate Constitution

The document outlining the fundamental laws and principles of the Confederate States of America (CSA), established in 1861. It focused on protecting slavery, with provisions like guaranteeing slavery in new territories and denying laws interfering with ``property in negro slaves.''

Signup and view all the flashcards

Jefferson Davis

The first and only president of the Confederate States of America, elected by the convention delegates in 1861. He led the provisional government during the early years of the Civil War.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Article One, Section Nine

A section in the Confederate Constitution that explicitly prohibited any law that would impair or deny the right of property ownership in slaves.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lincoln's views on slavery

In his inaugural address, Lincoln expressed his stance on slavery. He stated he had no intention to interfere with slavery in existing states but also pledged to prevent its expansion into new territories.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secession

The act of a state withdrawing from the Union, a key issue during the pre-Civil War period. The Southern states felt entitled to secede due to their beliefs about states' rights and the issue of slavery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maintaining Federal Power

Lincoln's strong belief in the importance of preserving the federal government's authority over individual states. He viewed secession as unconstitutional and detrimental to the unity of the nation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unconstitutional

An action or law that contradicts the provisions of the Constitution, as seen in Lincoln's stance on secession. It is a violation of the fundamental laws of the nation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inaugural Address

A formal speech delivered by a newly elected president upon assuming office, outlining their vision and key policies. Lincoln's inaugural speech focused on preserving the Union amidst the secession crisis and his views on slavery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sectional Divisions

Deep differences and tensions that existed between the North and South before the Civil War, largely due to slavery and its expansion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Missouri Compromise

A law passed in 1820 that tried to balance the power between slave and free states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. It also drew a line across the Louisiana Purchase, with slavery allowed south of the line and prohibited north of it.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bleeding Kansas

A period of violent conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in the Kansas territory in the mid-1850s. This showed that popular sovereignty did not solve the slavery issue.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Abolitionists

People who believed slavery was morally wrong and fought to end it immediately. They used various methods, such as speeches, writings, and helping slaves escape to freedom.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lincoln's Election

Lincoln's victory in the 1860 election was a major turning point. Southern states feared his anti-slavery stance and saw it as a threat to their way of life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Civil War

A bloody and devastating war fought between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South) from 1861 to 1865. The main issue at stake was slavery.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Brokering the Compromise of 1850

  • The acquisition of Western territories from Mexico (Mexican Cession) led to intense debates in Congress about slavery's role.
  • Complicating the issue were the slave trade in Washington D.C., the fugitive slave laws, the status of California, and the border dispute between Texas and New Mexico.
  • California, a key territory, was potentially a free state due to the lack of settled slavery, and its discovery of gold.
  • The status of the Mexican Cession territories created significant conflict as they potentially expanded either slavery or free states. This conflict was made worse by disagreements over how to handle the other issues, complicating an already tense issue.
  • A map (Figure 14.3) details land ownership in 1849-1850 before the compromise, showing slave and free states, and territories.

Presidential Election of 1848

  • The 1848 election failed to resolve the issues surrounding the Mexican Cession.
  • Both the Whig and Democratic parties avoided direct discussion of slavery.
  • Democrats favored popular sovereignty (allowing the territories to decide their own fate regarding slavery).
  • Whigs nominated General Taylor (a slaveholder), whose approach to the issue was one of inaction.
  • The Free-Soil Party nominated Martin Van Buren, a former president, and attracted support from northern Democrats and abolitionists, who opposed the expansion of slavery.

Clay's Compromising Resolutions

  • Henry Clay, a seasoned veteran of political conflicts, offered resolutions to address the issues surrounding slavery's expansion.
  • This was presented as a single omnibus bill, addressing the conflicting issues together in one bill.
  • Key components included: admission of California as a free state; resolving the Texas-New Mexico border dispute; and establishing federal laws for the return of fugitive slaves.

Calhoun's Response

  • John C. Calhoun, a prominent Southern Senator, opposed Clay's proposals.
  • Calhoun viewed the North as the cause of the conflict over slavery, blaming the North for not supporting the interests of the South.
  • Calhoun advocated for a constitutional amendment specifying a dual presidency—one for the North and one for the South, as well as a federal law to return escaped enslaved people to their owners.

Webster's Speech

  • Daniel Webster, a Massachusetts Senator, delivered a speech advocating for national unity.
  • Webster urged southerners to drop the issue of disunion and northerners to cease antagonizing the South with the Wilmot Proviso.

Webster's Continued Efforts to Seek Compromise

  • Webster advocated for a new law to return escaped enslaved people to owners.
  • His efforts to find common ground and promote national unity earned criticism from abolitionists.

The Fugitive Slave Act

  • This act, a component of the Compromise of 1850, aroused considerable opposition.
  • Southerners gained federal funding to capture and return escaped enslaved people to the South.
  • Northerners were obligated to help catch and deliver runaways.
  • This act prompted widespread anger and resistance from northern abolitionists.

Fugitive Slave Act's Consequences

  • Financial incentive for slave-catchers led to increased kidnappings of free black people.
  • Commissioners had no juries and the accused had no ability to testify.

Harriet Tubman

  • Harriet Tubman, a freedom-seeker herself, aided other enslaved people.
  • Tubman became a famous conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

  • Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery novel, powerfully depicted the cruelty of slavery.
  • Its impact helped to move public opinion in favor of abolition.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act

  • The 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act, proposed by Stephen Douglas, was a further addition to escalating tension over slavery.
  • Douglas intended to make the territories of Kansas and Nebraska through popular sovereignty.
  • This act created territories from the land and allowed them to decide whether or not to allow slavery, overturning the Missouri Compromise.

Bleeding Kansas

  • Intense violence erupted in Kansas between pro- and anti-slavery settlers.
  • This event further divided the nation and increased sectional tensions.

The Dred Scott Decision

  • The 1857 Dred Scott decision further intensified the conflict.
  • The court declared that Black people weren't citizens and that Congress lacked any power to prevent the spread of slavery in the territories.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates

  • The 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates brought the issue of slavery into the forefront of national discussion.
  • The debates increased Lincoln's national profile and sharpened the lines in the American political system.
  • The debates were intense and covered conflicting views on slavery and its expansion into the territories.

Lincoln's Election and Secession

  • Lincoln's election in 1860 triggered the secession of several Southern states.
  • The secession of the states led to the formation of the Confederate States of America.
  • This event dramatically escalated tension that culminated in the Civil War.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Document 5 (2): Brokering the Compromise PDF

Description

This quiz explores the contentious debates surrounding the Compromise of 1850, including the impact of the Mexican Cession and the status of slavery in new territories. Key issues such as the status of California, slave trade in D.C., and fugitive slave laws are examined. Review important historical maps and election results that reflect the tensions of this pivotal moment in American history.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser