Abolition, States' Rights, and the Free Black Community

Abolition and Underground Railroad

• Discussion from previous class on the Underground Railroad.
• The concept of abolition revolves around ending slavery.
• Importance of understanding the historical context from the Constitution to Reconstruction.

States' Rights vs. Federal Power

• Central theme in American history, especially relating to slavery.
• Northern states increasingly opposed slavery, advocating into the new territories (West).
• Southern states defended the continuation of slavery, highlighting a struggle for states' rights.
• Abraham Lincoln famously stated, "A nation divided against itself cannot stand," clarifying the conflict over slavery must be resolved.
• The ongoing struggle of states' rights versus federal power remains relevant today.

Black Free Community Growth

• By 1860, a significant portion (approximately half) of the free black population in the U.S. resided in Northern cities.
• Notable cities with large free black populations included Boston, Philadelphia, and New York.
• Total free black population in 1860: approximately 226,152.
• Since this was half of the total, the total population of blacks (free and enslaved) was likely over 500,000.
• Despite the growth of the black population, it was overshadowed by a faster growth rate in the white population, indicating a decrease in percentage.
• Importance of understanding how percentages can distort the perception of growth.

Population Statistics

• For perspective on numbers:
• Example: 226,000 can seem substantial, yet it might only represent 1% of the white population.
• The status of blacks at the time: many were not recognized as citizens, contributing to complex social dynamics.

Maps and Land Acquisition

• Reference to maps provided in class (accessible on Canvas).
• Maps detail regions affected by historical treaties and land acquisitions, including the Treaty of Paris and the Louisiana Purchase.
• Understanding land gained through two wars with Mexico which played a critical role in determining future state formations.
• Each new territory became states with the question of them entering as free or slave states.
• Relevance of the Northwest Ordinance in determining pathways to statehood.