westward expansion on sectional tensions Flashcards
(11 cards)
what was the Wilmot Proposal?
significance?
the suggestion that the land acquired from the Mexican American war not be used to expand slavery
the South saw this as undemocratic, proof that the North wanted to destroy the Southern economy, it was not adopted as it caused too much dispute
what idea did the Compromise of 1850 introduce?
significance?
popular sovereignty
to diffuse conflict in congress by letting states decide on slavery themselves, the North thought it risky, both Whigs and Democrats wanted to keep the Union intact, sectional divide not a political one
what act was passed as part of the Compromise of 1850?
significance?
the Fugitive Slave Act
free states obliged to return run away slaves to the South, there was no evidence needed which made the act dangerous, not complying would lead to a 1,000 dollar fine
how was the Compromise of 1850 passed?
significance?
as a series of 5 separate acts
not presented as a singular compromise, so it was obvious it would not amount to anything, as it would have never have been passed in one go
what repealed the Missouri Compromise?
significance?
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Douglas wanted the Nebraska territory to become a state so that a rail road could run through it, the act split the territory in two and gave them popular sovereignty which went against the Missouri Compromise which the North saw as Douglas bowing to slave power
what did the Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society do?
significance?
they started sending in free trade settlers to sway popular sovereignty in Kansas
pro slave groups did this too, this resulted in the outbreak of violence called Bleeding Kansas
what was the constitution proposed by the pro slave groups in Kansas?
significance?
the Lecompton Constitution
President Buchanan supported this despite the fact that it was not representative, proving a slave power conspiracy in Congress, was rejected in the end
who sued his owner for freedom in accordance to the Missouri compromise?
Significance?
Dred Scott
got to the Supreme Court, showing its controversy and nuance, they ruled 7 to 2 that he was a slave and so not a US citizen so could not sue and that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional as it prevented property being held anywhere in the US
how did John Brown contribute to Bleeding Kansas?
significance?
he and his family killed 5 pro slavery men
created the depiction of violent abolitionists, but pro slavery settlers did it too
where did John Brown’s raid take place?
significance?
Harper’s Ferry, Virginia
this is in the south, shows the South that the Abolitionists are actively trying to destroy their way of life
how many men did John Brown take on his raid?
significance?
21
there was really very little threat, it was also condemned by Lincoln
