Causes of the Civil War
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Causes of the Civil War
Introduction The Compromise of 1850 is seen as a significant event that had a crucial impact on
exacerbating divisions within the United States and steering the nation toward the American
Civil War. The Compromise of 1850 is a significant event in American history due to its
endeavor to alleviate the escalating sectional divisions between the Northern and Southern
regions of the country on the very controversial matter of slavery. The paper examines the
historical significance of the Compromise. It investigates the factors that contributed to its role in
hastening the progression of the United States toward the American Civil War. Through a
comprehensive analysis of the intricate interplay of political, economic, and social elements that
coalesced during the Compromise, a more profound comprehension can be attained regarding its
role in fostering the irreversible fragmentation inside the United States.
The Compromise of 1850 refers to a collection of legislative measures that the United
States Congress enacted in September of 1850 (
Drexler, 2019). The primary objective of this
initiative was to resolve the territorial and slavery-related conflicts that arose from the
acquisition of additional lands following the end of the Mexican-American War. The
Compromise encompassed several crucial elements, namely the incorporation of California as a
state that allowed for the absence of slavery, the establishment of Utah and New Mexico
territories with the implementation of popular sovereignty, the settlement of border conflicts
concerning Texas, the prohibition of the slave trade within Washington, D.C., and the well-
known Fugitive Slave Act (
Al-Asadyi, 2022).
The Fugitive Slave Act emerged as a highly disputed element inside the Compromise of
1850. It mandated that individuals residing in states where slavery was prohibited were obligated
to aid in the apprehension and repatriation of runaway slaves to their enslavers (
Al-Asadyi,
2022). The implementation of this stringent legislation exacerbated tensions in the northern
region since it was perceived as a violation of the fundamental tenets of individual freedom and
the autonomy of states. This resulted in a heightened opposition to the practice of slavery in the
Northern states, as well as the formation of the Underground Railroad, a clandestine network of
pathways and secure accommodations utilized by fugitive slaves in their quest for emancipation
in Canada. The expansion of slavery was another highly debated issue pertaining to this event
(
Maizlish, 2018).
The concessions made by the Compromise, such as the implementation of
popular sovereignty in New Mexico and Utah, gave rise to apprehensions among Northern states
regarding the potential expansion of slavery into previously unoccupied regions. This
phenomenon exacerbated the existing regional disparities. The Southern perspective regarded
these actions as a means of preserving the fragile equilibrium between states that allowed slavery
and those that did not (
Drexler, 2019). Conversely, the Northern viewpoint interpreted these
measures as facilitating the expansion of slavery into regions where it had previously been
outlawed. The proliferation of slavery's geographical extent sparked concerns regarding its
enduring viability. The Compromise's most significant shortcoming was its failure to effectively
reconcile the inherent disparities between the Northern and Southern regions regarding the
matter of slavery. The action taken only served to delay the unavoidable confrontation by
upholding a precarious state of affairs. The enduring moral, economic, and political schism
between the two regions was further intensified by succeeding crises and compromises that
ensued (
Maizlish, 2018).
The Compromise of 1850 can be characterized as a temporary measure
that postponed the resolution of the underlying issues rather than providing a sustainable and
enduring solution.
The Compromise of 1850 further intensified political differences (
Maizlish, 2018).
The
Compromise of 1850 resulted in the division of the Whigs and Democrats, the two prominent
political parties at the time, along regional lines. The Compromise enjoyed significant support
among Southern Whigs, although Northern Whigs exhibited a degree of division in their stance
towards it. The Democratic Party also had a division, which played a role in the eventual rise of
the Republican Party in the Northern region as a steadfastly anti-slavery entity. The Compromise,
in its effect, fundamentally altered the political terrain, resulting in a society that was
characterized by division and polarization (
Drexler, 2019). The political environment
experienced a growing polarization, characterized by the emergence of notable politicians such
as Abraham Lincoln, who actively resisted the expansion of slavery into previously uncharted
regions. From an economic standpoint, the Compromise also yielded significant repercussions.
The discourse surrounding the spread of slavery into the recently gained areas exerted a
significant influence on economic concerns, particularly within the Southern region, where the
institution of slavery held a firm grip on the agricultural sector (
Maizlish, 2018).
Because they
perceived it as a threat to the viability of their economies, the Southern states were concerned
about any potential restrictions placed on the expansion of slavery. As a direct consequence of
this, economic tensions between the Northern and Southern regions grew.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Compromise of 1850 accelerated the nation's progress toward the
American Civil War rather than relieving the regional tensions that existed between the North
and the South. The growing divide between the North and the South was affected by several
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variables, including the institution of the Fugitive Slave Act, the expansion of slavery, the
absence of endeavors to address the underlying causes of the war, and the subsequent political
consequences. Instead of providing a durable solution, the Compromise deteriorated pre-existing
divisions, creating the conditions for the ensuing violent and catastrophic struggle that would
engulf the United States in the future. As a result, the Compromise of 1850 is a moving example
of the inherent complexity of the issue of slavery and the formidable challenges it posed to the
American democratic project.