Dividing Nation: Sections 1-4 Notes

Lesson 21: Dividing Nation (Sections 1-4)

Note-Taking Guidelines

  • Paraphrase and abbreviate to save time.
  • Pause the slideshow to take detailed notes.
  • Note the section number and title for organization.

Section 1: Confronting Slavery

  • Context:
    • The process for applying for statehood was already established.
    • Manifest Destiny led to westward expansion and population growth.
    • As populations congregated, territories applied for statehood, requiring Congressional approval.
  • 1818: Illinois Statehood
    • Admission of Illinois as a free state could upset the balance in Congress between free and slave states.
  • Alabama and Missouri Statehood
    • Alabama (Deep South) applied as a slave state, initially restoring balance.
    • Missouri's application threatened to disrupt the balance again.
  • Talmadge Amendment:
    • During the Missouri statehood bill, Congressperson Talmadge proposed an amendment requiring Missouri to be a free state.
    • The amendment failed in the Senate due to opposition from Southern states.

Section 2: The Missouri Compromise

  • Terms of the Compromise:
    • Missouri admitted as a slave state.
    • Part of Massachusetts turned into Maine to create a new free state, maintaining balance.
  • Missouri Compromise Line:
    • A line was established to determine the status of slavery in future territories.
    • Territories north of the line (except Missouri) would be free states.
    • Territories south of the line could be slave states.
    • This line was intended to apply to land acquired from Mexico in the future.

Section 3: Missouri Compromise Unravels/Fails

  • Northern Pressures:
    • The Second Great Awakening fueled abolitionist movements.
    • Abolitionists believed ending slavery aligned with Christian values.
    • Increasing pressure on Congress through petitions.
  • Gag Rule:
    • Due to disruptive anti-slavery petitions, Congress implemented a gag rule to avoid discussing anti-slavery matters.
  • Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion:
    • Nat Turner led a rebellion in which enslaved people armed themselves and killed white people across multiple farms, resulting in over 50 deaths.
    • Militia suppressed the rebellion, killing Turner and other enslaved individuals.
    • The rebellion led to increased fear among slave owners, resulting in harsher treatment of enslaved people and demands for fugitive slave laws.
  • Wilmot Proviso:
    • President requested war funds from Congress.
    • The Wilmot Proviso was attached, proposing that slavery be prohibited in any territory acquired from Mexico.
    • Southern delegates strongly opposed the proviso.

Section 4: The Compromise of 1850

  • Context:
    • California experienced a population boom due to the 1848 Gold Rush.
    • California applied for statehood, but Congress was deadlocked.
  • Terms of the Compromise:
    • For the North:
      • California admitted as a free state.
    • For the South:
      • A stronger Fugitive Slave Law was enacted, applicable nationwide.
    • New Mexico Territory:
      • Popular Sovereignty: Residents would vote to decide on the issue of slavery rather than Congress.
    • Washington D.C.:
      • The slave trade was abolished in the District of Columbia.