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Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise admitted Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state to the United States. It also prohibited slavery north of the 36 30 north parallel, excluding Missouri. The compromise was important because it kept a balance of free and slave states as well as created the traditional boundaries of the “North” and “South”. -
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Antebellum Politics
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Election of James K. Polk
James Polk’s election was significant because he was a major supporter of Manifest Destiny and was determined to annex western territories. The territories acquired during his presidency later became the source of conflict in regards to slavery. -
Introduction of the Wilmot Proviso
The Wilmot Proviso was an unsuccessful proposal in the U.S. Congress to ban slavery in all territories acquired in the Mexican-American War. Although it was unsuccessful, debate over the Proviso contributed to the American Civil War. -
Founding of the Free Soil Party
The Free Soil Party formed during the Election of 1848, its main concern being to prevent the expansion of slavery into territories acquired during the Mexican-American War. Former President Martin Van Buren was their candidate in 1848, winning 10.1% of the popular vote. -
Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was signed by President Fillmore and included a series of laws to appease both the North and the South. It was another “bandage” on the union. -
Slave Trade abolished in D.C.
As a part of the Compromise of 1850, the slave trade was abolished in the District of Columbia. While this did not directly affect southerners, they were upset by this as it was seen as a concession for the North. -
Admission of California to the Union as a free state
President Fillmore admitted California as a free state on September 8th, 1850. This was also a part of the Compromise of 1850, designed to keep the North appeased. Many southerners were upset at this, as they had prospects that California could be a slave state. -
Fugitive Slave Act Passed
One of the laws within the Compromise of 1850 , it was also the most controversial. It required all escaped slaves to be returned to their masters and required all citizens to cooperate. This upset many northerners and further fueled the march towards civil war. -
Kansas Nebraska Act
The Kansas Nebraska Act created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise, and led to several violent confrontations referred to as “Bleeding Kansas.” The Kansas Nebraska Act was a major precursor to the American Civil War. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott V. Sanford was a landmark Supreme Court Case. The court concluded that the Constitution did not intend to include black people as citizens, wether enslaved or free. Designed to quell the slavery debate, it did almost the exact opposite.
