TERMS
secede---when a state leaves the Union (the United States)
fugitive---a runaway slave
border ruffians---armed gangs who traveled to Kansas crossing the border from Missouri to vote for or against slavery
civil war---is a conflict between people who are citizens of the same country
arsenal---storage site for weapons
martyr--- a person who dies for a cause.
states' rights---refers to the rights and powers that are independent of the federal government and reserved for the states by
the Constitution.
At this time, many states believed that states’ rights were more powerful than those of the federal government.
PEOPLE
John Calhoun--He said that neither the federal government nor territorial governments should be allowed to ban or regulate slavery in a
territory. His bill didn't pass. Was against Henry Clay's plan.
Henry Clay---Suggested that California become a free state. However, he said other new territories would have no limits on slavery. He also
proposed that the slave trade, but not slavery itself, should be made illegal in Washington, D.C. He also called for a stronger
fugitive slave law.
Daniel Webster---Was in favor of Henry Clay's plan.
Stephen Douglas---Came up with a solution. He divided Clay’s plan into parts. Congress passed five separate bills. Together, they were called
the Compromise of 1850.
Jefferson Davis---President of the Confederate States of America (the states who left the Union)
James Buchanan---Nominted by Democrats in the presidential election of 1856. He and the Democratic Party backed the idea of popular
sovereignty. Buchanan won all the Southern states, except Maryland, and became President.
Chief Justice Roger B. Taney---Chief Justice of The Supreme Court voted against Scott in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case.
It said that just because he had lived in areas where slavery was illegal, it did not mean he was free.
Because he was not a citizen, the Court said he had no right to file a lawsuit.
It said that Scott and all slaves were considered property.
The court was saying that the Constitution protected slavery.
Southerners applauded the Court’s decision, but Northerners were outraged.
COMPROMISE OF 1850
1. The Fugitive Slave Act
Stated that anyone helping a fugitive could be fined or jailed.
Many Northerners ignored the new law.
Some Northern juries would not convict people who broke the new law.
Some people helped buy the freedom of enslaved people.
Others were part of the Underground Railroad, which helped runaways escape.
2. Admitted California as a Free State
3. Popular Sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico concerning slavery
4. Abolition of the Slave Trade in Washington D.C.
5. Federal Assumption of Texas' Debt
secede---when a state leaves the Union (the United States)
fugitive---a runaway slave
border ruffians---armed gangs who traveled to Kansas crossing the border from Missouri to vote for or against slavery
civil war---is a conflict between people who are citizens of the same country
arsenal---storage site for weapons
martyr--- a person who dies for a cause.
states' rights---refers to the rights and powers that are independent of the federal government and reserved for the states by
the Constitution.
At this time, many states believed that states’ rights were more powerful than those of the federal government.
PEOPLE
John Calhoun--He said that neither the federal government nor territorial governments should be allowed to ban or regulate slavery in a
territory. His bill didn't pass. Was against Henry Clay's plan.
Henry Clay---Suggested that California become a free state. However, he said other new territories would have no limits on slavery. He also
proposed that the slave trade, but not slavery itself, should be made illegal in Washington, D.C. He also called for a stronger
fugitive slave law.
Daniel Webster---Was in favor of Henry Clay's plan.
Stephen Douglas---Came up with a solution. He divided Clay’s plan into parts. Congress passed five separate bills. Together, they were called
the Compromise of 1850.
Jefferson Davis---President of the Confederate States of America (the states who left the Union)
James Buchanan---Nominted by Democrats in the presidential election of 1856. He and the Democratic Party backed the idea of popular
sovereignty. Buchanan won all the Southern states, except Maryland, and became President.
Chief Justice Roger B. Taney---Chief Justice of The Supreme Court voted against Scott in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case.
It said that just because he had lived in areas where slavery was illegal, it did not mean he was free.
Because he was not a citizen, the Court said he had no right to file a lawsuit.
It said that Scott and all slaves were considered property.
The court was saying that the Constitution protected slavery.
Southerners applauded the Court’s decision, but Northerners were outraged.
COMPROMISE OF 1850
1. The Fugitive Slave Act
Stated that anyone helping a fugitive could be fined or jailed.
Many Northerners ignored the new law.
Some Northern juries would not convict people who broke the new law.
Some people helped buy the freedom of enslaved people.
Others were part of the Underground Railroad, which helped runaways escape.
2. Admitted California as a Free State
3. Popular Sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico concerning slavery
4. Abolition of the Slave Trade in Washington D.C.
5. Federal Assumption of Texas' Debt