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The Divisive Politics of Slavery

The Issue of Slavery in U.S. Society

• Context:
  • The issue of slavery significantly influenced U.S. political landscapes and societal norms from the late 1840s through the 1850s.
  • Tension around slavery manifested in various political projects and conflicts, notably with the emergence of the Wilmot Proviso, and the looming threat of secession, especially in the early 1850s.
• Key Events and Concepts:
  • Wilmot Proviso: A proposed amendment aiming to eliminate slavery in territories acquired from Mexico.
  • Compromise of 1850: A package of five laws aimed at resolving slavery-related disputes between the North and the South.
  • Popular Sovereignty: A concept proposed by Stephen A. Douglas that would allow residents of territories to decide the legality of slavery through voting.
• Key Figures:
  • Stephen A. Douglas: U.S. Senator from Illinois and a prominent advocate for popular sovereignty and the Compromise of 1850.
  • Millard Fillmore: The 13th President of the United States who supported the Compromise of 1850 as a means to preserve the Union.
  • John C. Calhoun: A leading Southern politician and pro-slavery advocate who expressed dire warnings about the consequences of ignoring Southern rights.