HST 210WI Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Mexican–American War, Missouri Compromise, Electoral College
Document Summary
Interviewed ex-slaves to get insight on their experience: Highlighted the racism and lack of serious intent as they [white people] interviewed these people. Cotton production = of economic activity in. Value of slaves = 20% of nation wealth. Mainly in the south (b/c of cotton production) Central contradiction to u. s. history: freedom of white people based on slavery. North and south wanted them to enter as free vs. slave state. Mo enters as slave state in exchange for maine separating from ma & enters. 3/5th"s clause (in constitution): blacks (slaves) were 3/5th"s of a man. Gave slaveholders extra representation in congress & electoral college (more political power) U. s. evenly divided to slave vs. free states (11 to 11) Allowed ca to enter union as free state. Popular sovereignty in utah & new mexico. Could decide whether or not to have slavery.
