Unit 11 Flashcards
What eventually contributed to the breakup of the Union?
Sectional differences
When and where did the idea of secession first come up in the United States?
During the War of 1812, many New Englanders opposed this war and wanted to secede from the Union
What fraction of southern families owned slaves?
1/4th of the population
What was the key element of the southern economy?
Plantation-owning interests, especially in cotton
What petitions were presented in Congress year after year? How were they stopped?
Petitions for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. By a gag rule, which automatically killed all of the petitions because members of the House did not want any Federal laws about slavery
What was the Wilmot Proviso?
A proposed amendment that would require slavery never to be allowed in any territory that was gained by using $2 million
What middle ground was proposed to help solve the issue of slavery in the territories?
The proposition that territories be organized on the basis of popular sovereignty (people in the state should choose)
What development in the West heightened the question of slavery in the territories?
The discovery of gold in California
What was President Taylor’s position on California statehood?
He thought it should be admitted as a free state
What did the Nashville Convention call for?
To discuss a unified southern position about equal access to the territories for slave owners
Who organized the Compromise of 1850 package and guided it through Congress?
Henry Clay
What was Millard Fillmore’s position on the Compromise of 1850 proposals?
He agreed to them and was willing to sign the compromise
How did the Compromise of 1850 pass Congress?
By different coalitions within Congress enabling the passage of the compromise which were broken apart into separate bills
What were some objections to the Fugitive Slave Law?
It applied to any slave who had ever run away, and it forced northerners to assist in something to which they were morally opposed
Who won the presidential election of 1852 and what party did he represent?
Democrat Franklin Pierce
What was the effect of the 1852 election on the Whig party?
It crushed them, making them soon pass out of existence
Who promoted Chicago as the eastern terminus for a transcontinental railroad?
Senator Stephen Douglas
What was Stephen Douglas’ plan regarding the organization of the Kansas and Nebraska territories?
For them to decide on slavery by popular sovereignty
What happened in the Kansas Territory?
Violence escalated between proslavery and antislavery forces, leading to 200 people being killed and $2 million in property destroyed
Who gave a speech in the Senate, strongly denouncing slave interests?
Charles Sumner
What happened to Charles Sumner as a result of his speech?
He was attacked by Preston Brooks with a gold-headed cane at his desk
What state did Henry Clay represent in Congress?
Kentucky
Politically, Clay was known for crafting what?
The Missouri Compromise
What Cabinet position did Clay hold?
Secretary of State
