Overview
This lecture examines the political crisis over slavery's westward expansion in the U.S. during the 1840s and 1850s, focusing on territorial disputes and their impact on national politics.
Slavery and U.S. Politics Before the Civil War
- Slavery became a central national political issue in the mid-to-late 1840s, especially regarding its expansion into new territories.
- The main debate was not about abolishing slavery where it existed, but whether it should be allowed in newly acquired western lands.
- The U.S. gained vast new territories (e.g., Texas, California, Arizona) after the Mexican-American War (1846–1848).
Boundaries and Political Power
- U.S. boundaries are artificial and were formed through war, particularly with Mexico.
- The border between the U.S. and Mexico was established after annexing about one-third of Mexico's land.
- Territorial changes affected families and communities, making border issues politically and socially significant.
The Wilmot Proviso and Congressional Power
- In 1846, David Wilmot proposed the Wilmot Proviso to ban slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico.
- The Proviso passed in the North but was opposed by the South, highlighting sectional divisions.
- Congress traditionally regulated slavery in territories, as seen in the Northwest Ordinance (1787) and Missouri Compromise (1820).
Political Implications of Territorial Expansion
- The status of slavery in territories would determine future state admissions and shift political power in Congress.
- Southern states feared losing influence as northern population growth outpaced the South due to immigration.
- Territories becoming free states would further marginalize the South politically.
Economic and Social Dimensions of Slavery Expansion
- Expansion of slavery was seen as vital for its survival, even though economically it could have continued in existing slave states.
- Texas still had large, unsettled areas suitable for cotton and slavery without expanding into the Southwest.
Free Soil vs. Abolitionism
- "Free soil" meant keeping new territories free of slavery, but did not imply support for black equality.
- Most northern anti-slavery advocates were not abolitionists and often held racist views, wanting both free and enslaved blacks excluded from the West.
- Free soil ideology prioritized white settlers' opportunities over racial equality, attracting broader support than abolitionism.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Wilmot Proviso — 1846 proposal to ban slavery in territory acquired from Mexico.
- Northwest Ordinance — 1787 law banning slavery in the Northwest Territory.
- Missouri Compromise — 1820 law prohibiting slavery north of 36°30' latitude except for Missouri.
- Free Soil — Belief that new territories should exclude slavery, without endorsing black equality.
- Abolitionism — Movement aiming to end slavery and support equality for black Americans.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the effects of immigration in the 1840s on sectional tensions.
- Prepare to discuss how demographic changes impacted northern and southern political power.