Compromise of 1850
Compromise of 1850 was proposed by Henry Clay of Kentucky and later passed by Congress. The purpose of the Compromise was to abolish slavery and turn aside the threat of termination of the Union. The crisis started when California asked to be a part of the Union and it's constitution prohibited slavery. Clay wanted to maintain a balance between the free and slave states to fulfill proslavery and antislavery forces. Though President Zachary Taylor prevented Henry Clay's compromise plan from coming into effect, he died 16 months into his term. His successor, President Millard Fillmore agreed with Clay's proposal. Congress approved of a plan that had many parts. California was accepted as a free state, the Texas border was redefined, thus forming New Mexico and Utah. Texas was compensated with $10 million for giving up it's land. While the slave trade was abolished in the District of Columbia, slavery was still permitted. Congress also passed the Fugitive Slave Act, in which runaway slaves were federal responsibility. Many Americans were relieved with the plan.
Various events occurred in the years following this compromise. Pro slavery and and antislavery advocates fought for control of Kansas, in a battle known as Bleeding Kansas. Antislavery books were written. Slaves tried to fight for freedom, leading to the Supreme court decision in 1857 that people of African nationality could never become U.S. citizens. The Fugitive Slave Act had a strong reaction throughout the Northern states who admired antislavery in their territory. In 1858, there were a series of debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas on the subject of slavery. Compromise of 1850 was a temporary effort at continuing the peace in the United States. Ultimately, the battle regarding slavery led to the bloody Civil War.
Various events occurred in the years following this compromise. Pro slavery and and antislavery advocates fought for control of Kansas, in a battle known as Bleeding Kansas. Antislavery books were written. Slaves tried to fight for freedom, leading to the Supreme court decision in 1857 that people of African nationality could never become U.S. citizens. The Fugitive Slave Act had a strong reaction throughout the Northern states who admired antislavery in their territory. In 1858, there were a series of debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas on the subject of slavery. Compromise of 1850 was a temporary effort at continuing the peace in the United States. Ultimately, the battle regarding slavery led to the bloody Civil War.