The Divisive Politics of Slavery

Section 10-1pp. 304-309

Differences Between North and South

• The Industrialized North– More factories and railroads than South – Urban cities – Large immigrant population

• The Agricultural South – Less manufacturing and fewer railroads – Rural society and smaller population – Few immigrants

Slavery in the Territories

• The Wilmot Proviso – Proposed law that would have outlawed slavery in

territory won from Mexico – Southerners claim Constitutional right to slavery– Never passed by Congress – Shows division between North and South

Slavery in the Territories

• Statehood for California– Application as a free state renews debate over

slavery– Threatens future of Missouri Compromise– South questions remaining part of the Union and

considers secession

The Senate Debates• The Compromise of 1850 – Series of compromises

designed to settle controversy over slavery

– Popular Sovereignty: Residents of a territory decide slavery issue

– Proposed by Henry Clay – Passed under Stephen

Douglas

The Senate Debates

• Millard Fillmore– Becomes president

after Zachary Taylor’s death

– Supported Compromise of 1850