The 1850s:

Mexican Cession and issuesMexican Cession and issues• The Mexican War brought to the forefront the The Mexican War brought to the forefront the

issue of slavery because the new territories issue of slavery because the new territories would have to be organized as slave states or would have to be organized as slave states or free states:free states:– Wilmot Proviso tried to state that all the new Wilmot Proviso tried to state that all the new

territories could not become slave statesterritories could not become slave states– This enrages the “southernThis enrages the “southern

“ fire-eaters” and they rally to protect their “ fire-eaters” and they rally to protect their institutioninstitution

– Debate over these new territories threatened to rip Debate over these new territories threatened to rip the country apart along North-South Sectional the country apart along North-South Sectional lineslines

Two-party SystemTwo-party System• The Democrats and Whigs actually served as The Democrats and Whigs actually served as

a means to achieve national unity:a means to achieve national unity:– As catch-all parties, they had followers in As catch-all parties, they had followers in

both the North and South and this allowed both the North and South and this allowed for a loose national unity through people’s for a loose national unity through people’s party allegianceparty allegiance

– However, if the political parties were to split However, if the political parties were to split along sectional North-South lines due to along sectional North-South lines due to the slavery issue, the country would be the slavery issue, the country would be ripped apart and it would be difficult to ripped apart and it would be difficult to maintain the Unionmaintain the Union

Election of 1848Election of 1848• James Polk only decided not to James Polk only decided not to

run for a second term to health run for a second term to health issues due to chronic overwork issues due to chronic overwork and also chronic diarrhea (gross)and also chronic diarrhea (gross)

• Democrats choose Lewis Cass as Democrats choose Lewis Cass as a second straight dark horse a second straight dark horse candidatecandidate

• Democrats generally silent on Democrats generally silent on slavery in their platform, but Cass slavery in their platform, but Cass was not. He openly advocated for was not. He openly advocated for popular sovereignty.popular sovereignty.

• Idea that the people of a territory Idea that the people of a territory should decide themselves if they should decide themselves if they should be free or slave state. should be free or slave state.

General Cass, also Known by his critics asGeneral Gass and theyalso said that Cass rhymes with Jackass

Popular SovereigntyPopular Sovereignty• Positives:Positives:

– Was in line with democratic tradition of self-Was in line with democratic tradition of self-determinationdetermination

– Politicians liked it because it was a pseudo Politicians liked it because it was a pseudo compromise between free-soilers demands for compromise between free-soilers demands for abolition in the territories and also the South’s plea abolition in the territories and also the South’s plea to Congress to allow slavery.to Congress to allow slavery.

– It put the issue of slavery in the laps of the people It put the issue of slavery in the laps of the people and removed the governmentand removed the government

• Negatives:Negatives:– Most important issue of the day turned into a local Most important issue of the day turned into a local

issue and not a national issueissue and not a national issue– Most importantly, theMost importantly, the possibility that slavery possibility that slavery

spread and expandedspread and expanded

Election of 1848Election of 1848• The Whigs nominated Zachary Taylor The Whigs nominated Zachary Taylor

for presidentfor president

• He never held public office and had He never held public office and had never voted in a presidential election. never voted in a presidential election. But he was popular with the people from But he was popular with the people from his role in the Mexican War.his role in the Mexican War.

• Whigs also not clear on their platformWhigs also not clear on their platform

Free Soil PartyFree Soil PartyFree Soil PartyFree Soil PartyFree Soil! Free Speech! Free Labor! Free Men!Free Soil! Free Speech! Free Labor! Free Men! “Barnburners” – discontented

northern Democrats.

Anti-slave members of the Liberty and Whig Parties.

Opposition to the extension of slavery in the newterritories and supported the Wilmot Proviso.

Also advocated federal aid for internal improvements and free government homesteads for settlers.

They nominated Martin Van Buren for president

“Barnburners” – discontented northern Democrats.

Anti-slave members of the Liberty and Whig Parties.

Opposition to the extension of slavery in the newterritories and supported the Wilmot Proviso.

Also advocated federal aid for internal improvements and free government homesteads for settlers.

They nominated Martin Van Buren for president

Free Soil PartyFree Soil Party• They did not oppose slavery just on moral They did not oppose slavery just on moral

grounds. They also said that it destroyed the grounds. They also said that it destroyed the chances of free white workers from rising up chances of free white workers from rising up from wage-earning dependence to the from wage-earning dependence to the esteemed status of self-employment. esteemed status of self-employment.

• Only way to achieve this upward mobility was Only way to achieve this upward mobility was to have free soil out west for white settlersto have free soil out west for white settlers

• Competing with slave labor meant lower Competing with slave labor meant lower wages for whites and the inability to have wages for whites and the inability to have social mobility and to own property.social mobility and to own property.

The 1848 Presidential The 1848 Presidential Election ResultsElection Results

The 1848 Presidential The 1848 Presidential Election ResultsElection Results

√

GOLD!GOLD! At Sutter’s Mill, At Sutter’s Mill, 18481848

GOLD!GOLD! At Sutter’s Mill, At Sutter’s Mill, 18481848

John A. Sutter John A. Sutter

California Gold Rush, California Gold Rush, 18491849

California Gold Rush, California Gold Rush, 18491849

49er’s49er’s

Digging for Gold in Digging for Gold in CaliforniaCalifornia

Digging for Gold in Digging for Gold in CaliforniaCalifornia

Many people going to California were criminals,Lawless men, and virtuelessWomen. As a result, a waveOf crime occurred.

Consequently, California Needed a strong government To deal with these problems.

They write a Constitution, Making it a free state. This Becomes an issue

The South of the 1850’sThe South of the 1850’s• Relatively well-offRelatively well-off• Fair share of nation’s leadership Fair share of nation’s leadership

– Zachary Taylor, majority in the cabinet and the Zachary Taylor, majority in the cabinet and the supreme court, and equality in the Senatesupreme court, and equality in the Senate

• Cotton was expanding and prices were high, Cotton was expanding and prices were high, increasing the South’s wealth and importanceincreasing the South’s wealth and importance

• Slavery not necessarily threatened below the Slavery not necessarily threatened below the Mason-Dixon line and the 15 slave states could Mason-Dixon line and the 15 slave states could veto any amendment. veto any amendment.

• BUT……..the admittance of California as a free-BUT……..the admittance of California as a free-state had the fire eaters worried that the scale state had the fire eaters worried that the scale would tip in the North’s favor. California might set would tip in the North’s favor. California might set a precedent for all of the territories from the a precedent for all of the territories from the Mexican Cession Mexican Cession

Fugitive Slave Law and other Fugitive Slave Law and other worriesworries

• Texas angry over a territorial dispute in New Texas angry over a territorial dispute in New MexicoMexico

• Abolition of slavery in the District of ColumbiaAbolition of slavery in the District of Columbia• Fugitive Slave LawFugitive Slave Law

– Underground Railroad and runaway slaves angers Underground Railroad and runaway slaves angers Southern slave owners and they seek to change Southern slave owners and they seek to change the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793 to a stricter the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793 to a stricter version. version.

– In 1850, South lost roughly 1,000 slaves per year In 1850, South lost roughly 1,000 slaves per year to runaways. Less than those who bought their to runaways. Less than those who bought their own freedom. own freedom.

Problems of Sectional Balancein 1850

Problems of Sectional Balancein 1850ß California statehood.

ß Southern “fire-eaters” threateningsecession.

ß Underground RR & fugitive slave issues:

Personal liberty laws

ß California statehood.

ß Southern “fire-eaters” threateningsecession.

ß Underground RR & fugitive slave issues:

Personal liberty laws

The Compromise of 1850The Compromise of 1850

Southern SecessionSouthern Secession• In 1850, Southern states met in In 1850, Southern states met in

Nashville to discuss secession.Nashville to discuss secession.

• Congress was forced to act.Congress was forced to act.

• For the last time, the giants of the For the last time, the giants of the Senate, will make their last speeches:Senate, will make their last speeches:– CalhounCalhoun– ClayClay– WebsterWebster

Compromise of 1850Compromise of 1850• Henry Clay- 73 years old, proposed a series Henry Clay- 73 years old, proposed a series

of compromises. He asked for both the North of compromises. He asked for both the North and South to make concessions and for the and South to make concessions and for the North to accept a stronger Fugitive Slave lawNorth to accept a stronger Fugitive Slave law

• Calhoun, (to sick to speak), Calhoun, (to sick to speak), – agreed with concessions, but rejected them agreed with concessions, but rejected them

because they did not give enough safeguards to because they did not give enough safeguards to the Southernersthe Southerners

– Leave slavery alone, return runaway slaves, give Leave slavery alone, return runaway slaves, give the South its rights as a minority, and restore the the South its rights as a minority, and restore the political balance. political balance.

Compromise of 1850Compromise of 1850• Daniel Webster-Daniel Webster-

– Famous Seventh of March speechFamous Seventh of March speech• Three-hour effortThree-hour effort• 68 years old and suffering from liver problems68 years old and suffering from liver problems• Thinks legislating on slavery in the territories was dumb, Thinks legislating on slavery in the territories was dumb,

slavery was not conducive to the southwest and these slavery was not conducive to the southwest and these territoriesterritories

• Advocated compromise, concessions and Advocated compromise, concessions and reasonableness to solve the issuesreasonableness to solve the issues

• Helped turn the tide in the North to compHelped turn the tide in the North to comp• promise and he could not print enough copies fo the promise and he could not print enough copies fo the

speech to be soldspeech to be sold

• Free Soilers- not happy with Webster. Free Soilers- not happy with Webster.

Compromise of 1850Compromise of 1850• Young Guard from the North needed to give Young Guard from the North needed to give

their two-cents:their two-cents:• William Seward:William Seward:

– Freshman senator from New YorkFreshman senator from New York– Spokesmen for the new radical young senators Spokesmen for the new radical young senators

from the Northfrom the North– Argued that man should also appeal to a “higher Argued that man should also appeal to a “higher

law” greater than the Constitution in trying to settle law” greater than the Constitution in trying to settle the slavery issue. Believed that the moral law the slavery issue. Believed that the moral law should be considered and that slavery was morally should be considered and that slavery was morally wrong. wrong.

• Zachary Taylor was influenced by Seward, Zachary Taylor was influenced by Seward, and also angered at Texas’ threat to take and also angered at Texas’ threat to take Santa Fe. Taylor wanted to march an army to Santa Fe. Taylor wanted to march an army to Texas and punish the dissenters. Texas and punish the dissenters.

Zachary and FillmoreZachary and Fillmore• In 1850, Taylor suddenly passed from In 1850, Taylor suddenly passed from

an intestinal disorder. an intestinal disorder. • His vice president, Millard Fillmore took His vice president, Millard Fillmore took

over the presidency. He was a New over the presidency. He was a New York lawyer-politician. York lawyer-politician.

• After hearing all the arguments on the After hearing all the arguments on the Senate form, he believed in the Senate form, he believed in the compromise and signed the changes compromise and signed the changes into law. into law.

Compromise of 1850

Compromise of 1850

Compromise of 1850Compromise of 1850

What the North Got:What the North Got: What the South Got:What the South Got:

Free CaliforniaFree California New Fugitive Slave New Fugitive Slave LawLaw

Territory disputed by Texas and Territory disputed by Texas and New Mexico became part of New Mexico became part of New MexicoNew Mexico

Territories of Utah and New Territories of Utah and New Mexico could decide slavery Mexico could decide slavery issue through popular issue through popular sovereigntysovereignty

Abolition of slave trade Abolition of slave trade in District of Columbiain District of Columbia

Texas got 10 million in Texas got 10 million in compensationcompensation

Fugitive Slave Law of 1850Fugitive Slave Law of 1850• Known as the Bloodhound BillKnown as the Bloodhound Bill

– Fleeing slaves could not testify on their Fleeing slaves could not testify on their own behalfown behalf

– Denied trail by juryDenied trail by jury– Federal commissioner who handled case Federal commissioner who handled case

got 5 dollars if runaway was freed and 10 got 5 dollars if runaway was freed and 10 dollars if they were notdollars if they were not

– Northerners who aided a runaway slave Northerners who aided a runaway slave were subject to heavy fines and jail were subject to heavy fines and jail sentencessentences

Fugitive Slave Law of 1850Fugitive Slave Law of 1850• North was so outraged at the law that it North was so outraged at the law that it

caused many moderates to turn to the caused many moderates to turn to the abolitionist movement. abolitionist movement.

• ““We went to bed one night old-fashioned, We went to bed one night old-fashioned, conservative, Compromise Union Whigs and conservative, Compromise Union Whigs and waked up stark mad abolitionists.” waked up stark mad abolitionists.”

• Massachusetts made it a penal offence if any Massachusetts made it a penal offence if any official tried to enforce the new fugitive slave official tried to enforce the new fugitive slave law.law.

• Slave law was bad overall for the South. Slave law was bad overall for the South. North became more pro-abolition and they North became more pro-abolition and they never enforced the law. So South did not never enforced the law. So South did not gain anything from the compromise. gain anything from the compromise.

1852 Presidential 1852 Presidential ElectionElection

1852 Presidential 1852 Presidential ElectionElection

√ Franklin Pierce Gen. Winfield Scott John Parker Hale Democrat Whig Free Soil

√ Franklin Pierce Gen. Winfield Scott John Parker Hale Democrat Whig Free Soil

The “Know-Nothings” [The American Party]

The “Know-Nothings” [The American Party]

ß Nativists.

ß Anti-Catholics.

ß Anti-immigrants.

ß Nativists.

ß Anti-Catholics.

ß Anti-immigrants.1849 Secret Order of the

Star-Spangled Banner created in NYC.

1849 Secret Order of the Star-Spangled Banner created in NYC.

1852Electi

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The Whig PartyThe Whig Party• After the election of 1852, the Whig party After the election of 1852, the Whig party

slowly died. A few years later , it was slowly died. A few years later , it was completely dead.completely dead.

• Its demise brought about the scary thought of Its demise brought about the scary thought of the death to national parties and the rise of the death to national parties and the rise of sectional partiessectional parties

• Whig legacyWhig legacy– Two presidents, both war heroes (both died in Two presidents, both war heroes (both died in

office too)office too)– Great contribution was they upheld the idea of a Great contribution was they upheld the idea of a

Union and also great leaders such as Henry ClayUnion and also great leaders such as Henry Clay and Daniel Webster (both died in 1852and Daniel Webster (both died in 1852))

Expansion of Expansion of Manifest Destiny:Manifest Destiny:Panama Canal, Panama Canal,

Cuba, China, Japan, Cuba, China, Japan, and Gadsdenand Gadsden

Panama CanalPanama Canal• Important because it allowed continuous Important because it allowed continuous

Atlantic-Pacific transportation. Atlantic-Pacific transportation. • In 1848, United States and New Granada In 1848, United States and New Granada

(Columbia) worked out a treaty giving United (Columbia) worked out a treaty giving United States the right of transit as long as United States the right of transit as long as United States respected the neutrality of the isthmus States respected the neutrality of the isthmus

• In 1855, a 48 mile railroad was built In 1855, a 48 mile railroad was built connecting the two oceans. connecting the two oceans.

• Clayton-Bulwer Treaty-Neither Britain nor Clayton-Bulwer Treaty-Neither Britain nor United States would fortify or gain exclusive United States would fortify or gain exclusive rights to a waterway across the isthmusrights to a waterway across the isthmus

NicaraguaNicaragua• So, the South looked to Central So, the South looked to Central

America to expand slavery. America to expand slavery. • William Walker, a Texan, raised an William Walker, a Texan, raised an

army and went to Nicaragua and made army and went to Nicaragua and made himself president 1856 and legalized himself president 1856 and legalized slavery. slavery.

• However, other Central American However, other Central American nations formed a coalition and nations formed a coalition and overthrew Walker. overthrew Walker.

• In 1860, he was executed by a In 1860, he was executed by a Honduran fire squad. Honduran fire squad.

• In 1856, President Pierce recognized In 1856, President Pierce recognized Walker and his regime as the legitimate Walker and his regime as the legitimate leaders of Nicaragua. In 1860, Pierce leaders of Nicaragua. In 1860, Pierce withdrew formal recognition after withdrew formal recognition after Walker was overthrown.Walker was overthrown.

CubaCuba• Also seen as a destination for plantation Also seen as a destination for plantation

economy aned southerners coveted Cuba. economy aned southerners coveted Cuba. – 2 groups of several hundred men attacked Cuba 2 groups of several hundred men attacked Cuba

unsuccessfullyunsuccessfully– In 1854, Spanish officials in Cuba seized the In 1854, Spanish officials in Cuba seized the

American steamer American steamer Black WarriorBlack Warrior– Pierece pushes the issue to try to obtain Cuba for Pierece pushes the issue to try to obtain Cuba for

120 million. If Spain refuses, U.S. would be 120 million. If Spain refuses, U.S. would be justified in tacking it. This is known as Ostend justified in tacking it. This is known as Ostend Manifesto. Manifesto.

– Northerners hear of this and pressure Pierce to Northerners hear of this and pressure Pierce to stop his shenanigans in Cuba. Some has to do stop his shenanigans in Cuba. Some has to do with a very famous book at the time………..with a very famous book at the time………..

HarrietBeecherStowe(1811 – 1896)

HarrietBeecherStowe(1811 – 1896)

So this is the lady who started the Civil War.

-- Abraham Lincoln

So this is the lady who started the Civil War.

-- Abraham Lincoln

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

1852

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

1852 Sold 300,000

copies inthe first year.

2 million in a decade!

Sold 300,000 copies inthe first year.

2 million in a decade!

Allure of AsiaAllure of Asia• China- Caleb Cushing sent in 1844 by President China- Caleb Cushing sent in 1844 by President

Tyler to gain trade concessions. He arrived in Macao Tyler to gain trade concessions. He arrived in Macao bearing gifts in an attempt to gain access to trading bearing gifts in an attempt to gain access to trading ports in Chinaports in China

• Impressed by Cushing and also to have a counter Impressed by Cushing and also to have a counter weight power to the British, the Chinese signed the weight power to the British, the Chinese signed the Treaty of WanghiaTreaty of Wanghia– Signed July 3, 1844Signed July 3, 1844– Most favored nation status given to the U.S. on all trading Most favored nation status given to the U.S. on all trading

terms accorded to other nations. terms accorded to other nations. – Extraterritoriality- Americans accused of crimes will be tried Extraterritoriality- Americans accused of crimes will be tried

by Americans.by Americans.– Trade with China increased and also opened the doors for Trade with China increased and also opened the doors for

American missionariesAmerican missionaries

Commodore Matthew PerryCommodore Matthew Perry• Japan- under the Tokugawa Shongunate, Japan was Japan- under the Tokugawa Shongunate, Japan was

isolated from western world. U.S wanted to change isolated from western world. U.S wanted to change that. Also, in 1853, Japan was ready to trade openly that. Also, in 1853, Japan was ready to trade openly againagain

• In 1852, Fillmore sent out Commodore Matthew In 1852, Fillmore sent out Commodore Matthew Perry to gain trade concessions with a fleet of Perry to gain trade concessions with a fleet of warships. warships.

• Perry arrives on July 8, 1853 with a letter asking for Perry arrives on July 8, 1853 with a letter asking for trading rights and friendly relations. He promises to trading rights and friendly relations. He promises to return a year later expecting the Japanese response. return a year later expecting the Japanese response.

• He returns in February 1854, with seven warships, He returns in February 1854, with seven warships, and convinces the Japanese to sign the Treaty of and convinces the Japanese to sign the Treaty of KanagawaKanagawa– Provided rights to shipwrecked sailorsProvided rights to shipwrecked sailors– Coaling rights in JapanCoaling rights in Japan– Consular rightsConsular rights

Gadsden PurchaseGadsden Purchase• Transportation issues were another problem Transportation issues were another problem

of Mexican Cession:of Mexican Cession:– Sea routes too long (through Panama or around Sea routes too long (through Panama or around

South America)South America)– Covered wagon travel was slow and dangerous in Covered wagon travel was slow and dangerous in

the hot southwestthe hot southwest– Imperative to gain feasible and reasonable land Imperative to gain feasible and reasonable land

transportationtransportation

• So the South wants a railroad going from So the South wants a railroad going from Houston to Los Angeles. They also wanted Houston to Los Angeles. They also wanted to build one before the North to gain the to build one before the North to gain the wealth from it before the Northwealth from it before the North. .

Gadsden PurchaseGadsden Purchase• Best route was through a strip[ of land in Best route was through a strip[ of land in

Mexico because it by-passed mountains. Mexico because it by-passed mountains. • James Gadsden negotiated a treaty ceding James Gadsden negotiated a treaty ceding

the land for 10 million dollars. Known as the the land for 10 million dollars. Known as the Gadsden treaty of 1853.Gadsden treaty of 1853.

• North mad because South said new Mexico North mad because South said new Mexico was an already organized territory so it made was an already organized territory so it made sense to due to their. sense to due to their.

• North counters that if this is the case, the North counters that if this is the case, the Nebraska Territory needs to be organized Nebraska Territory needs to be organized too. too.

Kansas-Nebraska ActKansas-Nebraska Act

Stephen DouglasStephen Douglas• Senator from Illinois, he devises a scheme to Senator from Illinois, he devises a scheme to

counter the Gadsden Purchasecounter the Gadsden Purchase• He is known as the Little Giant. Desired to He is known as the Little Giant. Desired to

continue West and create settlements along continue West and create settlements along the way. the way.

• Invested heavily in Chicago real estate and Invested heavily in Chicago real estate and wanted to Chicago to be the eastern terminus wanted to Chicago to be the eastern terminus of the Pacific railroadof the Pacific railroad

• His plan was designed to attract support of His plan was designed to attract support of SouthSouth

Kansas-Nebraska ActKansas-Nebraska Act• Nebraska territory split into two: Nebraska Nebraska territory split into two: Nebraska

and Kansas and Kansas • Slavery would be decided by Popular Slavery would be decided by Popular

SovereigntySovereignty• His assumption was that Kansas would His assumption was that Kansas would

choose slavery and Nebraska would choose choose slavery and Nebraska would choose to be a free stateto be a free state

• Problem is that this scheme threated to Problem is that this scheme threated to contradict the Missouri Compromise of 1820, contradict the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which made slavery forbidden north of 36’30. which made slavery forbidden north of 36’30.

Kansa-Nebraska ActKansa-Nebraska Act• South liked the idea because they gained a South liked the idea because they gained a

slave state, possibly. President Pierce threw slave state, possibly. President Pierce threw his weight behind the proposal.his weight behind the proposal.

• North not happy because they did not want North not happy because they did not want the Missouri Compromise trampled on. the Missouri Compromise trampled on.

• This causes great harm to the relations This causes great harm to the relations between the North and South. It serves as between the North and South. It serves as exacerbating wedge issue. North did not exacerbating wedge issue. North did not want to see the Missouri Compromise want to see the Missouri Compromise repealed.repealed.

Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854

Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854

Birth of the Republican Party, 1854

Birth of the Republican Party, 1854

ß Northern Whigs.

ß Northern Democrats.

ß Free-Soilers.

ß Know-Nothings.

ß Other miscellaneous opponents of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

ß Northern Whigs.

ß Northern Democrats.

ß Free-Soilers.

ß Know-Nothings.

ß Other miscellaneous opponents of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

1856 Presidential 1856 Presidential ElectionElection

1856 Presidential 1856 Presidential ElectionElection

√ James Buchanan John C. Frémont Millard Fillmore Democrat Republican Whig

√ James Buchanan John C. Frémont Millard Fillmore Democrat Republican Whig

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