5.4+Compromise+of+1850
Topic 5.4 The Compromise of 1850
Background
Manifest Destiny and expansion intensified the slavery debate:
Abolitionists and settlers without slave labor opposed expansion.
Slaveowners and those benefiting from slavery desired its growth.
Most Americans still favored compromise to preserve the Union.
Southern Expansion
Discontent with the Missouri Compromise:
Banned slavery in Louisiana Purchase lands.
Territorial gains from the Mexican War deemed insufficient.
Desire for new farmland suitable for enslaved labor.
Manifest Destiny in the South
Many Southerners sought new territories in Latin America for plantations:
Cuba was the primary target for Southern expansionists.
Ostend Manifesto
President Polk sought to buy Cuba from Spain for $100 million, but Spain refused.
Southern expeditions attempted to seize Cuba and failed, facing executions.
Franklin Pierce's Ostend Manifesto proposed purchasing Cuba but created backlash from anti-slavery Congress members, leading to its abandonment.
Walker Expedition
Southern expansionists pursued territories independently:
William Walker initially attempted to seize Baja California and later took control of Nicaragua.
His proslavery rule collapsed due to invasions by Central American nations and was ultimately executed in 1860.
Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (1850)
Both Great Britain and the U.S. aimed to build a canal through Central America:
The treaty mandated neither country would monopolize any canal route in Central America until the century's end.
Gadsden Purchase
Pierce purchased land from Mexico in 1853 for $10 million:
Known as the Gadsden Purchase, it formed parts of present-day New Mexico and Arizona, aiding railroad development.
Conflict Over the Status of Territories
Slavery in new territories from the Mexican War highlighted sectional differences:
Wilmot Proviso aimed to ban slavery in new territories but was defeated, escalating tensions.
Three Conflicting Positions on Slavery Expansion
Views on slavery in Western territories varied:
Opposition to slavery's expansion led to the formation of the Free-Soil Party (1848).
Advocated for “free soil, free labor, and free men” and opposed slavery expansion for economic reasons.
Southern positions defended the right to take slavery into new territories, framing it as a constitutional property right.
Popular Sovereignty, proposed by Lewis Cass, suggested allowing settlers in territories to vote on slavery.
The Election of 1848
Slavery expansion influenced the presidential race:
Democrats favored popular sovereignty.
Whigs nominated Zachary Taylor, who avoided taking a stance on slavery.
The Free-Soil Party aimed to stop slavery's westward expansion and chose Martin Van Buren as their candidate, influencing key Northern states.
Compromises to Preserve the Union
The 1849 California Gold Rush created the need for a government:
Californians’ constitution banned slavery, leading to conflicts over statehood.
President Taylor supported California and New Mexico's admission as free states, igniting possible secession discussions in the South.
Senator Henry Clay proposed a compromise:
Admit California as a free state;
Establish Utah and New Mexico territories with popular sovereignty;
Resolve Texas-New Mexico border disputes, uphold the slave trade in D.C., and implement a strict Fugitive Slave Law.
Passage of the Compromise of 1850
The sedimentation of political debates deepened Northern commitment to saving the Union.
While it provided temporary peace, parts of the compromise (specifically the Fugitive Slave Law and popular sovereignty) ignited further controversy.
Topic 5.4 The Compromise of 1850
Background
Manifest Destiny: abolitionists opposed expansion; slaveowners sought to extend slavery.
Most Americans favored compromise to preserve the Union.
Southern Expansion
Discontent with Missouri Compromise, banning slavery in Louisiana Purchase lands.
Territorial gains from Mexican War deemed insufficient; desire for more farmland for enslaved labor.
Manifest Destiny in the South: Southerners sought new territories in Latin America, primarily targeting Cuba.
Ostend Manifesto
President Polk attempted to buy Cuba for $100 million; Spain refused.
Failed Southern expeditions to seize Cuba resulted in executions.
Franklin Pierce's Ostend Manifesto to purchase Cuba faced backlash and was abandoned.
Walker Expedition
Southern expansionists sought territories independently; William Walker controlled Nicaragua briefly.
His proslavery rule collapsed; executed in 1860.
Clayton-Bulwer Treaty (1850): Great Britain and U.S. aimed to build a canal through Central America, with a treaty to prevent monopoly until century's end.
Gadsden Purchase: Pierce purchased land from Mexico for $10 million in 1853, aiding railroad development.
Conflict Over the Status of Territories
Slavery in new territories from Mexican War heightened sectional tensions.
Wilmot Proviso aimed to ban slavery in these areas but was defeated.
Three Conflicting Positions on Slavery Expansion
Opposition to slavery led to Free-Soil Party formation advocating for “free soil, free labor, free men.”
Southern positions defended expanding slavery as a property right.
Popular Sovereignty, by Lewis Cass, allowed settlers to vote on slavery.
The Election of 1848
Slavery influenced presidential race: Democrats backed popular sovereignty; Free-Soil Party aimed to stop slavery's expansion.
Compromises to Preserve the Union
1849 California Gold Rush created need for government; California's anti-slavery constitution led to statehood conflicts.
Senator Henry Clay proposed compromise measures including admitting California as a free state.