popular sovereignty

Polarization Over Slavery

• The issue of slavery became a divisive factor in American politics, particularly within the second party system, leading to cracks.

• Following the Mexican-American War, the newly acquired territories brought the question of slavery to the forefront.

• The presidential election of 1848 was particularly influenced by this tension.

The Political Landscape in 1848

• Incumbent President James K. Polk (Democrat) chose not to seek re-election.

• A new political entity emerged to address anti-slavery sentiments:

  • Free Soil Party: Sponsored by abolitionists to attract radical anti-slavery voters.

  • Nominee: Former President Martin Van Buren.

• Democratic Strategy:

  • To sidestep the slavery issue by endorsing popular sovereignty.

  • Popular Sovereignty: The principle that residents of new territories/states should determine the legality of slavery.

  • Democratic Nominee: Lewis Cass, a politician from Michigan.

Whigs and Their Position

• The Whig Party sought to remain neutral on slavery, taking no official stance.

• They capitalized on their previous success with William Henry Harrison (1840) and nominated:

  • Zachary Taylor, a general from the Mexican-American War and a slaveholder from Louisiana.

The Election of 1848

• The election underscored the ongoing sectional tensions between the North and South, initially highlighted by the Wilmot Proviso.

• Outcome: Zachary Taylor (Whig) won the presidency.

  • Some southern Democrats supported Taylor, viewing him as a fellow slaveholder.

  • Many northern voters (both Whigs and Democrats) did not support the Free Soil candidate, indicating fractured loyalties due to slavery.

Aftermath and Consequences

• The election revealed that party loyalties were increasingly shaped by conflicting attitudes toward slavery.

• Historical irony: Zachary Taylor died in 1850, creating further instability.

  • He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore, his vice president.

  • The statement jokingly remarks that running as a Whig president had an ominous connotation regarding longevity.