Write a report of 250 words on one of the following topics. Use at least two outside sources.
1. The Election of 1860
2. John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry
3. Bleeding Kansas
4. The Compromise of 1850
5. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates
The Compromise of 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a major turning point in American history, as it temporarily resolved several contentious issues between pro-slavery and abolitionist states. This compromise was a package of five bills passed by the U.S Congress and signed into law by President Millard Fillmore on September 20, 1850. The key issue that the Compromise resolved was the expansion of slavery into new western territories, which had created intense debates in Congress and eventually led to the secession of Southern states in the Civil War.
The Compromise of 1850 consisted of five separate laws, including the Fugitive Slave Act, which required Northerners to return runaway slaves to their Southern owners, and the admission of California as a free state. Additionally, the Compromise resolved border disputes between Texas and New Mexico and established the territories of Utah and New Mexico, wherein popular sovereignty was to determine whether slavery would be permitted.
The Compromise of 1850 was negotiated by Henry Clay, a Whig senator from Kentucky, and Stephen A. Douglas, a Democratic senator from Illinois. Clay was opposed to slavery, but believed that the Union must be preserved at all costs, while Douglas was a strong supporter of popular sovereignty. Southern secessionists, who were opposed to the Compromise, argued that it did not do enough to protect their economic and social interests, stating that it would ultimately lead to the abolition of slavery.
The Compromise of 1850 temporarily reduced tensions between the North and South, but it ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of the Civil War a decade later. The Fugitive Slave Act, in particular, hardened Northern anti-slavery sentiment, as it required them to return runaway slaves to their Southern owners. This led to the formation of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped slaves escape to freedom in the North.
In conclusion, the Compromise of 1850 was a landmark moment in American politics, as it postponed the issue of slavery for a decade and secured Henry Clay's reputation as the "Great Compromiser." However, it also highlighted the growing tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces and hinted at the inevitable conflict that would dominate American society throughout the 19th century.
Sources:
1. "Compromise of 1850." History.com, A&E Television Networks, 24 Oct. 2019, www.history.com/topics/19th-century/compromise-of-1850.
2. "Compromise of 1850." National Park Service, U.S Department of the Interior, 22 Jan. 2021, www.nps.gov/articles/compromise-of-1850.htm.
Title: The Election of 1860: A Turning Point in American History
Introduction:
The Election of 1860 was a pivotal moment in American history that had far-reaching consequences. This report aims to explore the events leading up to the election, the key candidates, and the impact it had on the nation. Utilizing two outside sources, a comprehensive understanding of this historic event will be presented.
Sources:
1. "The Election of 1860 and the Road to Disunion" by David P. Thelen
2. "The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861" by David M. Potter
Background:
Following years of growing regional tensions, the United States was on the verge of a political and ideological fracture. The election of 1860 was largely shaped by the divisive issues of slavery expansion and states' rights, which culminated in a breakdown of the Democratic Party and the rise of the Republican Party.
Candidates:
The four main candidates in the election were Abraham Lincoln of the newly-formed Republican Party, Stephen A. Douglas of the Northern Democrats, John C. Breckinridge of the Southern Democrats, and John Bell of the Constitutional Union Party. Lincoln, a strong opponent of the expansion of slavery, represented the Republican Party's progressive stance. Douglas sought middle ground, advocating popular sovereignty, while Breckinridge championed Southern interests and Bell focused on preserving the Union.
Impact:
The election's outcome ultimately led to the secession of several Southern states and set the stage for the American Civil War. Lincoln's victory highlighted the country's deep divisions and South Carolina's secession in December 1860 marked the beginning of the Confederacy. The Election of 1860 demonstrated the irreconcilable differences between the North and South and revealed the critical importance of slavery as the central issue that eventually ruptured the nation.
Conclusion:
The Election of 1860 signified a turning point in American history. The deep-seated divisions over slavery and states' rights widened as a result of this election, leading several Southern states to secede from the Union and initiating the path to civil war. The election marked the rise of the Republican Party and the end of the dominance of the Democratic Party in the political landscape. The events surrounding the Election of 1860 remain instrumental in understanding the causes and consequences of the American Civil War.