Compromise of 1850 and Political Upheaval

Flashcards about the leadup to the Civil War.

What was the Wilmot Proviso?

An amendment declaring that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist in any territories acquired from Mexico.

What was the idea of popular sovereignty?

Let the citizens of the territory decide on the issue of slavery.

Who were the candidates in the election of 1848?

Lewis Cass (Democrat), General Zachary Taylor (Whig), John Calhoun (Southern Party), and Martin Van Buren (Free Soil Party).

What position did Zachary Taylor take on slavery in the territories during the 1848 election?

He did not take a position on the issue.

What were the key issues needing resolution that led to the Compromise of 1850?

California's application for statehood, the Texas-New Mexico border dispute, slavery in Washington D.C., and the need for a stronger Fugitive Slave Act.

Who initially attempted to create a compromise bill to address the key issues in 1850?

Henry Clay

Who broke up the compromise into individual parts to be voted on separately?

Stephen Douglas

Name the five primary components of the Compromise of 1850.

California admitted as a free state; popular sovereignty in New Mexico and Utah territories; Texas-New Mexico border settled; slave trade abolished in DC; stronger Fugitive Slave Act.

What were the key provisions of the Fugitive Slave Act?

No jury trial for accused fugitives; special commissioners paid based on outcome; citizens required to assist in the return of fugitive slaves.

How did Northern states react to the Fugitive Slave Act?

Some states passed personal liberty laws prohibiting state officials from assisting in the capture and return of runaway slaves.

What was the significance of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'?

It fueled Northern outrage over slavery and increased determination to abolish it.

What new political parties emerged in the 1850s?

The American Party (Know-Nothings) and the Republican Party.

What was the platform of the American Party (Know-Nothings)?

Opposition to immigration and the Catholic religion.

From what groups did the Republican Party form?

Former Whigs and Free Soilers

Who were the candidates in the election of 1856?

Millard Fillmore (American Party), John Fremont (Republican), and James Buchanan (Democrat).

How did Millard Fillmore become President?

He was Zachary Taylor's Vice President, and assumed the presidency after Taylor's death.