Heimler's History: Compromise and the Road to Civil War

Introduction

Focus on Unit 5 of the AP US History curriculum.
Previous video covered the Compromise of 1850.
This video addresses the failure of compromises on slavery leading to the Civil War.

Background: Part of the Louisiana Purchase, above the 36°30' line (Compromise of 1820).
Proposal by Stephen Douglas: Divide into Kansas and Nebraska territories; decide slavery by popular sovereignty.
- Popular sovereignty: Decision by residents on slavery issue.
Northern Reaction: Anger due to overturning of the 1820 Compromise.
Bleeding Kansas: Violence between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups due to popular sovereignty decision.
Election Fraud: 6,000 votes from 1,500 eligible voters due to illegal votes from Missouri.
Result: Two rival governments in Kansas (pro-slavery in Compton, anti-slavery in Topeka).
Federal Recognition: President Pierce recognized the pro-slavery government.

Case Background: Dred Scott, an enslaved man, lived in free territories of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Legal Argument: Claimed freedom based on living in free territories for two years.
Supreme Court Ruling: Chief Justice Roger Taney ruled against Scott.
- Slaves not citizens, thus cannot sue in federal courts.
- Constitution protects property rights; enslaved people seen as property.
Impact: Opened all territories and states to slavery, heightened tensions.

Whig Party: Divided over slavery; factions formed (Cotton Whigs and Conscience Whigs).
Democratic Party: Regional pro-slavery party gaining strength.
Rise of the Republican Party (1854):
- Coalition of diverse groups (Know-Nothing Party members, abolitionists, Free Soilers, Conscience Whigs).
- Stance against the spread of slavery, not outright abolition.
Southern Reaction: Saw Republicans as a threat to slavery.
1858 Midterm Elections: Republican success worried the South.