The 1850s were a troubled period in American history, filled with internal strife. Geographic and political divides were widening, and attempts to resolve these differences in a peaceful manner seemed doomed to failure. The events of this decade set the stage for the terrible conflict of the American Civil War.
1850s America - The Compromise of 1850 - This storyboard details the finer details of what constituted the Compromise of 1850, in what would become an instrumental delaying of the Civil War. As an attempt to balance slave and free states, as well as to satisfy what some would consider the 'slave power', the compromise had both it successes and failures. Students should be able to research and outline the major figures, components and controversies surrounding the Comrpomise of 1850.
Storyboard Text
WHO PROPOSED THE COMPROMISE OF 1850?
Henry Clay of Kentucky
WHAT COMPROMISES WERE AGREED UPON?
SLAVERY
WHY WAS THE COMPROMISE OF 1850 IMPORTANT?
The Compromise of 1850 was proposed by U.S. Senator Henry Clay. It was further supported by U.S. Senator Daniel Webster. However, it did receive opposition from notable politicians, such as Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina.
John C. Calhoun of S. Carolina
Daniel Webster of Massachusetts
There were several terms that made up the entirety of the Compromise of 1850. They included California being admitted as a free state, the slave trade being banned in Washington. D.C., a stronger Fugitive Slave Law, and the solving of territorial disputes between Texas and New Mexico.
The Compromise of 1850 was created to settle disputes between Northern and Southern politicians on how to deal with slavery and its expansion into newly acquired western territories. However, it merely served as a 'quick fix' to the impending Civil War.
WHAT CONTROVERSY SURROUNDED THE COMPROMISE OF 1850?
NORTH: FREE SOIL!
SOUTH: SLAVERY EXPANDS!
The Compromise of 1850
WHAT REGIONS WERE AFFECTED BY THE COMPROMISE OF 1850?
Many controversies surrounded the creation and passing of the Compromise of 1850. Neither the South nor the North were willing to compromise on many issues, such as slavery in the nation's capital. Slavery was increasingly becoming debated among politicians, civilians, and reformers alike.
Geographically, the Compromise of 1850 affected many different regions of the United States. Specifically, boundary disputes were solved between Texas and New Mexico. California was admitted as the 31st state and a free state.
Image Attributions:Image taken from page 76 of 'Elements of Geography. [With illustrations.]' (https://www.flickr.com/photos/britishlibrary/11245009816/) - The British Library - License: No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)