Lecture Notes on Growing Tensions Over Slavery (1844-Civil War) and the Compromise of 1850

Summary

This lecture discussed the growing tension caused by slavery from 1844 until the Civil War, focusing on the various attempts to solve the problem including the Compromise of 1850. These tensions developed further due to the annexation of territories from the Mexican-American War and differing views on whether these new territories should permit slavery.

Key Points

1. Background to the Growing Tension

• Mexican-American War: Expansion of U.S. territory fueled the debate over whether new territories should allow slavery.
• Wilmot Proviso: Proposed to ban slavery in newly acquired territories, was defeated in Congress.

2. Positions on Slavery Expansion

A. Southern Position

• Viewed slavery as a constitutional right.
• Argued that territory division for slavery was already established by the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
• Proposed extending the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific Ocean.

B. Free Soil Movement

• Consisted of Northern Democrats and Whigs.
• Advocated for territories to be free of slavery to benefit free laborers, not necessarily for moral reasons against slavery.
• Opposed settlement in new territories by both enslaved and free black individuals, envisioning a land solely for white opportunity.
• Included abolitionists who wanted to end slavery in all states, not just new territories.

C. Popular Sovereignty

• Suggested that people residing in each territory should decide whether to allow slavery.
• In theory, a moderate stance, but in practice, it exacerbated tensions as neither pro-slavery nor anti-slavery supporters could guarantee their desired outcomes in each territory.

3. California, New Mexico, and Senate Balance

• The entry of California and New Mexico as free states disrupted the Senate balance, which traditionally balanced power between free and slave states, crucial for law-making.
• The imbalance led Southern states to threaten secession from the Union.

4. Compromise of 1850

• Proposed by Henry Clay to alleviate tensions.
  • Divided Mexico Cession into Utah and New Mexico territories with slavery decided by popular sovereignty.
  • California admitted as a free state.
  • Banned the slave trade (but not slavery) in Washington D.C.
  • Implemented a stricter Fugitive Slave Law.
• Temporarily reduced tensions but Fugitive Slave Law proved problematic, especially in the North where abolitionist sentiments were strong.

Conclusion

While the Compromise of 1850 was intended to be a temporary solution to quell the growing sectional tensions, it exemplified the deep divisions and the difficulties in finding a lasting resolution to the slavery issue in America. The stricter enforcement of fugitive slave laws added to the existing strife, setting the stage for further conflict leading up to the Civil War.

Note

Further elaborations and discussions on these topics, including the effects of the Fugitive Slave Law, will be covered in subsequent videos and lectures.