U.S. History
Mr. Boothby
11/5/2015
Target
Chapter 18: Renewing the Sectional Struggle PT I
THE DEBATE OVER SLAVERY/ Popular Sovereignty/ Compromise of 1850/ GOLD!
https://www.apstudynotes.org/us-history/outlines/chapter-18-renewing-the-sectional-struggle-1848-1854/
Reaction (1 full page minimum): GET READY!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDkqvqqjMAA
Video/Reaction/Discussion (BELOW!)
Silently Read Pages 390-400
1) How was the “Mexican Cession” a major sectional issue leading to
North South division?
2) What is “Popular Sovereignty”? How does it work and what parties were
formed as a result of this “idea”?
3) How did the discovery of gold in California EXPLODE the issue of
sectionalism? What problems did THIS event pose?
4) What were a few potential threats or ways for slaves in the south to
escape “the system”? How did most escape?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Discuss #5 In Groups of 3!
5) When Clay, Calhoun, and Webster appeared together publicly for the
last time what was this final discussion about? What were they trying to
avoid? WHAT WAS THE RESULT?
***KEYS ***1850 brought about many catastrophes such as California wanting admission to the Union
and threats from the South of secession. A congressional forum was held in which Clay, Calhoun, and
Webster appeared together publicly for the last time. Webster's famed Seventh of March speech of 1850
helped turn the tide in the North toward compromise, but was then seen as a traitor by abolitionists.
The Young Guard from the North still hadn't had their say in the debate, and were more focused on
purifying than preserving the union. With the death of president Taylor, Millard Fillmore takes over and
signed the Compromise of 1850. This led to the second "Era of Good Feelings," but lasted all too brief.
The North got the better deal out of the Compromise of 1850 and BIG
TROUBLES ARE COMING IN 11 YEARS!
EVERYTHING IS DUE TOMORROW!
TONIGHT HANDOUT AND READ 399-408
PAGES ONLY 399-408 + Cornell Notes
1) How was the “Mexican Cession” a major sectional issue
leading to North South division?
Debate over slavery in the Mexican Cession threatened to disrupt
the ranks of both Whigs and Democrats and split national politics
along North-South sectional lines.
2) What is “Popular Sovereignty”? How does it work and what
parties were formed as a result of this “idea”?
Lewis Cass, a veteran of the War of 1812 was the father of
popular sovereignty. The Whig party nominated Zachary Taylor
Ardent antislavery men who distrusted both Cass and Taylor
formed the Free Soil Party with the issue of slavery disregarded
by all except the Free-Soilers the candidates opened fire on
personalities. Taylor's wartime popularity pulled him through.
3) How did the discovery of gold in California EXPLODE the
issue of sectionalism? What problems did THIS event pose?
With the discovery of gold in California, the cover was blown off
the topic of slavery. The California gold rush attracted tens of
thousands of people to California, overwhelming the territorial
government. An outburst of crime resulted from the presence of
so many outcasts in 1850, the South had more than its share of the
nation's leadership, but was still worried by the ever-tipping
political balance. If California was annexed as a free state, it
would throw everything off balance.
4) What were a few potential threats or ways for slaves in the
south to escape “the system”? How did most escape?
Southerners were also agitated by the Underground Railroad, in
which runaway slaves would escape and be aided by abolitionists,
Harriet Tubman was the most amazing "conductor" of all,
helping rescue over 300 slaves. More blacks probably gained their
freedom by self-purchase or voluntary emancipation than ever
escaped.
5)When Clay, Calhoun, and Webster appeared together publicly
for the last time what was this final discussion about? What were
they trying to avoid? WHAT WAS THE RESULT?
***KEYS ***1850 brought about many catastrophes such as California wanting admission to the Union and threats
from the South of secession. A congressional forum was held in which Clay, Calhoun, and Webster appeared
together publicly for the last time. Webster's famed Seventh of March speech of 1850 helped turn the tide in the
North toward compromise, but was then seen as a traitor by abolitionists.
The Young Guard from the North still hadn't had their say in the debate, and were more focused on purifying than
preserving the union. With the death of President Taylor, Millard Fillmore takes over and signed the Compromise
of 1850. This led to the second "Era of Good Feelings," but lasted all too brief.
The North got the better deal out of the Compromise of 1850 and
BIG TROUBLES ARE COMING IN 11 YEARS!
The 1848-50 gold rush created California almost overnight
created a seismic shift in the United States!
-How did the discovery change the land and people?
-How did this make a “New America” and what made this
one of the final triggers in the “coffin of sectionalism”?