Heimler's History - U.S. History Unit 5: Failures of Political Compromise over Slavery

Introduction

• Focus on the failure of political compromises regarding slavery in the U.S.
• Previous video discussed the Compromise of 1850.
• Central theme: Every attempt at compromise over slavery failed.

Westward Expansion and Slavery

• America's expansion into Western territories reignited the slavery debate.
• New territories brought questions about the legality of slavery.

Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854

• Proposed by Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois.
• Divided northern Louisiana Purchase into Kansas and Nebraska Territories.
• Introduced the concept of popular sovereignty to decide on slavery.
  • Popular sovereignty: Residents vote to determine the legality of slavery.
• Overturned the Compromise of 1820, angering Northerners.

Bleeding Kansas

• Violence between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions ensued.
• 1855 elections saw fraudulent voting due to Missouri residents voting illegally.
  • 1500 eligible voters, but 6000 votes counted.
• Resulted in two rival legislatures in Kansas:
  • Pro-slavery in Compton, recognized by President Franklin Pierce.
  • Anti-slavery in Topeka, not recognized by federal government.

Dred Scott Decision of 1857

• Supreme Court case with major implications for slavery.
• Dred Scott, a slave, sued for freedom after living in free territories.
• Chief Justice Roger Taney's decision:
  • Scott, not a citizen, could not sue in federal court.
  • Slaves considered property; thus, slave owners could take them anywhere.
  • Opened all territories/states to slavery.

Political Party Divisions

• Increasing division over slavery weakened the two-party system.
• Whig Party:
  • Split into pro-slavery (Cotton Whigs) and anti-slavery (Conscience Whigs) factions.
• Democratic Party:
  • Gained strength as a regional pro-slavery party.
• Republican Party:
  • Formed in 1854, including Know Nothings, abolitionists, Free Soilers, and Conscience Whigs.
  • Advocated against the spread of slavery, not its abolition.
  • Seen as a threat by Southern Democrats.

Midterm Elections of 1858

• Republicans performed well, increasing Southern fears.
• Tensions rose with the approaching 1860 presidential election.

Conclusion

• The failure of political compromises escalated tensions leading towards the Civil War.
• Further videos available to continue studying Unit 5.
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