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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
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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
Henry Clay to the Rescue! 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? The case of Anthony Burns