Compromise of 1850



Abstract

The Compromise of 1850 was a set of 5 bills, passed in September that year, which resolved an altercation between the free states of the North and the slave states of the South and concerning the status of acquired territories in the duration of the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. Whig Henry Clay drafted this compromise, which greatly helped in avoiding the civil war and secession, along with reducing the sectional conflict for the coming years. The Compromise of 1850 was welcomed by the both sides and became a source of relief as it saved the country, which at the time was on the brink of civil war.

Compromise of 1850

Introduction

The Compromise of 1850 was a series of 5 bills, which were drafted with the intention of staving off sectional conflict. The goal of this compromise was to tackle the slavery to territories so as to keep the northern and southern interests in a healthy balance.

The reason behind the conflict was the heated debate on the issue of California applying for statehood in 1850. All due to the fact that as a free state California touched off extreme conflict in Congress on the issue of slavery and the border dispute between New Mexico and Texas. Also, in case of Texas winning it the area of slavery would have been extended. Another issue raised in the Compromise of 1850 was the discussion of bringing an end to the slave trade in Washington D.C., as it was contradictory to the American ideals of liberty.

The Compromise was a great relief because it put a stop to the friction between the two regions of the country. However, both the northern and southern Americans disliked certain provisions postulated in the Compromise of 1850.

Discussion

The Compromise of 1850 was successful due to the efforts of Clay, Calhoun, and Webster. Mostly, it was Whig Henry Clay's determination to resolve the civil conflicts lest the northern and southern side waged a civil war. Under the Compromise of 1850, the following bills were passed:

1.California was declared a free state.

2. The bill allowed Utah and New Mexico to utilize popular sovereignty for deciding the issue of slavery. Meaning the public had the choice of whether to let the states remain slaves or becoming free.

3.The Republic of Texas surrendered the lands which it previously claimed in Mexico; in turn, it received $10 million for paying off its debt to Mexico.

4.The District of ...