History 2301E Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Lecompton Constitution, Peculiar Institution, Free Soil Party
28 Mar 2017
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Sectionalism and the coming of the civil war. Sectional differences in the 1850s (between the north and the south) The definitions of freedom and liberty were different. Fear of the slave power (slave holding interests dominating government) California applies as a free state, would upset the balance of power between states. Ended in 1848, acquired california and new mexico. Wilmot: outlaw slavery in all the territories gained by the war. Wanted the western territories reserved and preserved for white families. Calhoun: slavery should be legal in all the territories gained from mexico. Crittenden: extending the missouri compromise line west to the pacific. Cass/douglas: let the people of the territory (not congress) decide on slavery. Free soil party: first emerges in the election of 1848. Slavery banned in all the territories, free soil for free men. California admitted as a free state, mexico and utah the people decide. Did not address the fundamental sectional problems and disagreements.
