The Compromise of 1850

1. The Compromise of 1850

2. Slavery Debate Erupts Again • California’s Impact • 1849 – 15 slave, 15 free states • Oregon, Utah, New Mexico will become states soon, probably as free states • Southerners feared they would become outnumbered in Congress • Secession was suggested • Northerners say CA should be free due to Missouri Compromise

3. Clay vs. Calhoun • Henry Clay worked out the Missouri Compromise and was asked to help again • Now 73 years old • John C. Calhoun • Suffered from tuberculosis – could not speak loudly • Could not compromise • Fear of civil war first appears • Daniel Webster supported Clay but was willing to compromise and supported southern demands to have escaped slaves returned

4. Compromise of 1850 • Calhoun and President Taylor both die in 1850 • New President Fillmore supports Clay’s plan • 5 points: • 1. CA becomes Free State • 2. Slave trade banned in D.C. • 3. Fugitive Slave Act • 4. Popular Sovereignty in NM and UT • 5. Texas/NM border dispute settled

6. Fugitive Slave Act • 1850 • Requires all citizens to help catch runaway slaves • $1000 fine/jail time for helping slaves escape • No trial • Judges received $10 for sending slaves back to South and $5 for setting them free

7. Uncle Tom’s Cabin • 1852 • Harriet Beecher Stowe • Tells the story of a slave, Uncle Tom, who is abused by owner, eventually whipped to death. • Sold millions of copies, translated into dozens of languages • Southerners claimed it was not a true picture of slave life • Changed many Northerners perspective on slavery