Compromise of 1850
Storyboard Text
- California Admitted as a Free State
- It is my pleasure to announce the official statehood of the state of California
- New Mexico and Utah Territories Organized Under Popular Sovereignty
- For Slavery
- Against Slavery
- The Abolition of the Slave Trade
- If we cannot end slavery then I say we end the trade instead!
- California was admitted to the Union as a slave-free state which reflected the growing influence free states in Congress. Even though there was a lot of arguments against its joining ranging from its size, to borders, to the topic of slavery. Its admission marked a significant victory for anti-slavery as it added a non-slaveholding state to the Union, tipping the balance of power.
- The Strengthening of the Fugitive Slave Act
- The territories of New Mexico and Utah were organized under the principle of popular sovereignty. This gave the residents of the states the right to decide on the topic of slavery for themselves. This approach was used to diffuse tensions by placing the responsibility in the hands of the people within the state.
- Texas Border Adjusted and Compensated
- While slavery remained legal in DC, the trade was abolished, prohibiting the sale and transportation of enslaved people within the nation's capital. This compromise sought to address the morality of trading humans whilst not confronting slavery at large.
- Resolving the Status of the Remaining Territories
- The Fugitive Slave Act was strengthened, placing greater obligations on citizens to assist in the capture and return of slaves, regardless of what state/territory they are in. This provision aimed to appease slaveholding states by increasing the chances of recapturing escaped slaves and was met with resistance and outrage among abolitionists and the free states.
- As part of the compromise, Texas agreed to adjust its border, resolving boundary disputes with New Mexico. In return, Texas received financial compensation from the US Government. This resolution aimed to settle territorial conflicts and maintain stability, while also appeasing Texas and other secessionists.
- The compromise also included a framework for future states' slaveholding status in the remaining territories. The provision aimed to establish guidelines for the admission of future states into the Union, ensuring a balance between free and slave states.
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