Goal 3 Part 1

The Union in PerilConflict over slavery / regional

differences that led to the Civil War 1861-1865

Wilmot Proviso• 1846 – David Wilmot proposes the WILMOT PROVISO

– Created tension between N and SPoint: “No slavery” in ANY territory won in the Mexican

American War (Mexican Cession-1848)*Tried to make it a part of the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty

(FAIL)*David Wilmot “WILL NOT” see slavery in Mexican

cession- Divided the nation- N = (less power for the South)- N = IF slavery were extended = less northern economic

opportunity - S = (obvious reasons) – no economic opp. Result: *NEVER PASSED THE SENATE

California Statehood (1850)

• Population increased! Why? ________• California constitution = NO slavery• PROBLEM: causes tension between the North

and South*California becomes aFREE state in 1850Debate: most of Cali lies South of 36 30 line – state

should be open to slaveryOnce again: South angry with North

Compromise of 1850: Henry Clay

****** Compromise of 1850 *******Purpose: to keep unity! (1) North = California = free state (2) South = a stronger, more effective fugitive slave law

* Fugitive Slave Law – escaped slaves are returned to slaveholder (3) WEST / Newly acquired land (Utah and New Mexico)= ****POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY – the right to VOTE on slavery (people’s

choice)Overall point: keep out of war!

Daniel Webster

Supports “STATE’S RIGHTS”• Endorses / Supports Clay’s Compromise of 1850• HATES Southern Secession

– Scared that secession will destroy the country! (no such thing as peaceful secession!)

– Urged for compromise between North and South– *One of the most famous Senate speeches in history

John C. Calhoun Vs. Daniel Webster

Calhoun Webster- Pro-slavery - Anti-slavery- Anti- “Clay” - Pro- “Clay” - States’ Rights - State’s Rights- Pro-secession - Anti-secession

Fugitive Slave Law• Provided for the South in theCompromise of 1850- Escaped slaves are returned tothe South or helped to freedomTERMS:

Fugitives CANNOT testify on their behalf• Not entitled to a fair trial by jury

– (6th Amendment – speedy and fair trial to all citizens / right to counsel)

Northern Reaction to Fugitive Slave Act

• Northerners HATED this law • Most Northerners helped guide escaped slaves to Canada• Nine northern states passed

“PERSONAL LIBERTY LAWS” – guaranteed laws for escaped slaves *** PURPOSE: Designed to protect slaves / tries to nullify the

Fugitive Slave Act* Notice: North steals the idea of “nullification”(6th Amendment was enforced)

Clay’s Compromise of 1850…

• Comp. of 1850 was REJECTED by Congress• Clay leaves Washington –

– STEPHEN DOUGLAS takes control of Comp. of 1850. (Illinois politician)

– *How the Comp. of 1850 was passed*• Douglas – broke down the complicated package and

got EACH section passed.• *Introduced Popular Sovereignty • (WHY???) ___________________________

Underground Railroad• Secret network of people that helpedescaped slaves intothe North!!! (CANADA)

Harriet Tubman

Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852)• *Written by “Harriet Beecher Stowe” (abolitionist)• - stirred up STRONG reactions from the North and South• Underlying point of book: slavery is not just a political contest, but

also a great MORAL struggle!• Book attacked the South

“So, you are the little lady that started this war” - Abraham Lincoln regarding

Harriet Beecher Stowe on Civil War

Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)Stephen Douglas steers this legislation through

Congress & establishes Popular Sovereignty in area (QUESTIONS the Missouri Comp. Line)

Issue: slavery (blue) (P/Sov.)

Naturally causes tension between the North and

South (why?)

“The Sack of Lawrence”May 21, 1856

• Caused by opportunities of popular sovereignty in Kansas Territory• Abolitionist set up in Lawrence, Kansas• Pro-slavery groups were angered!

– 800 man (pro-slavery) group organized and attacked the abolitionist– Burnt down printing presses and looted homes and stores and beat residents

John Brown 1800-1859• Sent by God “in revenge of Sack of Lawrence”• “a man made of the stuff of saints”• “Pottawatomie Massacre”

– John Brown, an abolitionist who fought slavery!– Uprising / Pulled five proslavery men from their beds at Pottawatomie

Creek…cut off their hands…and stabbed them. – This Massacre triggered others….therefore“Bleeding Kansas” - nickname of territory due to the level of violence and for the

opportunity f popular sovereignty

Violence in the Senate*Sumner vs. Brooks• Sen. Charles Sumner (northerner) writes “Crime against Kansas” (attacks slavery issues, fugitive slave laws and the Kansas-

Nebraska Act)• Congressman Preston Brooks (southerner) attacks

Sumner in the Senate Chamber– Caning of Sumner in the head until the cain breaks (brain

damage) / Southerners cheered,“Hit him again!!!!!”

What effect did the Compromise of 1850 have on sectional differences?

A. It settled most differences on slaveryB. The antislavery movement was weakenedC. The fugitive slave law increased tensionD. Southern discontent with the abolitionist

lessened

What impact did the Kansas-Nebraska Act have on the controversy regarding slavery in the territories?

A. It declared Kansas could not enter as a slave state until Nebraska entered as a free state

B. It disrupted balance by declaring both states free states

C. It disrupted balance by declaring both states slave states

D. It questions the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise Line by allowing territories to use “popular sovereignty”

Alternative Political PartiesNew Parties Established PlatformFree Soilers 1848 - against slavery in new

territories / Southern slavery is ok

*Know-Nothing 1854 - nativists / anti-immigration anti-Catholic

Whigs 1834 - divided over slaveryNorthern Whigs vs. Southern Whigs

Republican 1854 - against slavery in new territories /Southern slavery is ok

Democratic 1840 - popular sovereignty

KNOW NOTHING PARTY (American Party)• Believed in NATIVISM

– - the favoring of native-born Americans (anti-immigrant) (1830-1860 – major immigration)***** Biggest enemy = Catholics (Reason: could take over American government)– - Secret handshakes/symbols/gestures– “I know nothing!”

“NEW” Republican Party (1854)

• (1854) formed by Whigs, anti-slavery democrats, and free-soilers (diverse)

• **Horace Greeley** (founder)• opposed the extension of slavery in Western territories(Kansas-Nebraska Act)

Events Legacy / Sig. Northern View / Position

Southern View / Position

Wilmot Proviso

California Statehood

Compromise of 1850

Fugitive Slave Act

Personal Liberty Laws

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Bleeding Kansas

John Brown’s Massacre and Raid

Senate Violence

Success of “Balance”

• Directions: Honoring the distinct efforts, at all levels, to balance and to hinder tension in antebellum America, offer your analysis on the success of American unity.

• Use specific examples discussed in class and any outside source that will help render a mindful understanding of this theme or issue in American history

Viewpoints / R.A.F.TRole: What historical figure?Audience : Who will you be writing to? Format: What is your writing style?Topic: What event will you be writing about?• Choose a viewpoint of any historical character from the Civil War era.

It is important that you include historically accurate details to help me better understand your character. Write clearly, strive for creativity, and pay attention to the format.

• Essential Question: How has your viewpoint of America been guided by divisive

politics, especially regarding the issue of slavery?