Transcript The Compromise of 1850
The Cause 1. The U.S. had acquired vast territory—result of war with Mexico--Should slavery be allowed? (Wilmot Proviso) 2. California—gold rush 1849— had petitioned for statehood— slave/free balance disrupted
3. Dispute in TX -claimed territory to Santa Fe 4. Washington, D.C.—Not only allowed slavery— largest slave market in North America
The Compromise of 1850 1. TX land dispute-give up disputed land-get $10 million to pay debt to Mexico.
2. Territories of NM & UT would be organized by popular sovereignty.
3. Slave trade in Washington, D.C. ended--slavery still legal
4. California admitted as Free State-disrupts balance 5. Fugitive Slave Act passed to pacify slave state politicians
The Fugitive Slave Law •Required citizens to assist in recovery •Denied fugitive a right to a jury trial-special commissioners paid $5 released & $10 if returned
•Increased # of federal officials to enforce act •Estimated 20,000 blacks move to Canada •Underground RR becomes more active
Slavery now in the national spotlight How long will the Union stay together?