Compromise of 1850
Jonathan Sacelaris
Professor Crider
HIS 173-01
April 1, 2013
The Successful Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a successful negotiation regarding the discord between the slave owners in the South and the opponents of slavery in the North. The Compromise of 1850 included a series of five acts, which were aggressively debated within Congress, based on the dispute of slavery. Congress hoped to end the strife between the North and South by reaching an agreement that would ease tensions on both sides. This agreement can be seen as the culminating factor of the first half of the 19th century. I believe the Compromise of 1850 was successful and helped achieved stability by preventing civil war and turmoil within the United States. The purpose of the Compromise of 1850 was to lessen the North-South conflict on the extensions of slavery to the newly gained territory acquired in the victory of the Mexican-American War and in Texas. Many northerners were in favor of the compromise because it was an opportunity to cease the expansion of slavery and decrease southern influence. If free states outnumbered slave states, the North would control the Senate, which would leave the South at a disadvantage. Because of this stance, southerners were against the Compromise, disputing that their political power would be in jeopardy. Ultimately, the occupation of the newly gained territories was the primary goal of the U.S. in order to strengthen the country. Because of this opportunity, President Zachary Taylor was in favor of avoiding the heated deliberations and instead proposed to directly allow California and New Mexico admission to the union as possibly free states. President Taylor was unable to do this due to his death, which allowed for Vice President Millard Fillmore to take over his position. Fillmore completely supported the Compromise of 1850 and urged for the North and South to come to an agreement. Henry Clay and Stephen A. Douglas were the chief
Professor Crider
HIS 173-01
April 1, 2013
The Successful Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a successful negotiation regarding the discord between the slave owners in the South and the opponents of slavery in the North. The Compromise of 1850 included a series of five acts, which were aggressively debated within Congress, based on the dispute of slavery. Congress hoped to end the strife between the North and South by reaching an agreement that would ease tensions on both sides. This agreement can be seen as the culminating factor of the first half of the 19th century. I believe the Compromise of 1850 was successful and helped achieved stability by preventing civil war and turmoil within the United States. The purpose of the Compromise of 1850 was to lessen the North-South conflict on the extensions of slavery to the newly gained territory acquired in the victory of the Mexican-American War and in Texas. Many northerners were in favor of the compromise because it was an opportunity to cease the expansion of slavery and decrease southern influence. If free states outnumbered slave states, the North would control the Senate, which would leave the South at a disadvantage. Because of this stance, southerners were against the Compromise, disputing that their political power would be in jeopardy. Ultimately, the occupation of the newly gained territories was the primary goal of the U.S. in order to strengthen the country. Because of this opportunity, President Zachary Taylor was in favor of avoiding the heated deliberations and instead proposed to directly allow California and New Mexico admission to the union as possibly free states. President Taylor was unable to do this due to his death, which allowed for Vice President Millard Fillmore to take over his position. Fillmore completely supported the Compromise of 1850 and urged for the North and South to come to an agreement. Henry Clay and Stephen A. Douglas were the chief