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To what extent did William Seward promote abolitionism in the years 1850 to 1860?

Level

A Level

Year Examined

2020

Topic

World History

👑Complete Model Essay

To what extent did William Seward promote abolitionism in the years 1850 to 1860?

To What Extent Did William Seward Promote Abolitionism in the Years 1850 to 1860?

William Seward, a prominent figure in American politics during the mid-19th century, played a complex and often debated role in the abolitionist movement. While some historians argue that his actions significantly advanced the cause of abolitionism, others contend that his commitment to the cause was limited and often overshadowed by political pragmatism. This essay will examine the arguments both for and against the view that William Seward actively promoted abolitionism in the decade leading up to the Civil War.

Arguments Supporting Seward's Promotion of Abolitionism

Several key events and stances taken by Seward between 1850 and 1860 suggest a strong commitment to the abolitionist cause. His vocal opposition to the Compromise of 1850, particularly his powerful "higher law" speech, resonated deeply with abolitionists. In this speech, Seward argued that the moral imperative to oppose slavery transcended even the Constitution itself, a radical notion at the time.

Furthermore, Seward's Auburn home became a known safe house on the Underground Railroad, actively aiding enslaved people escaping to freedom. This personal involvement demonstrated his willingness to go beyond mere rhetoric and take concrete action against slavery.

Seward's unwavering opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act further solidified his anti-slavery credentials. He rallied Northern support against the act, which threatened to expand slavery into new territories. This stance ultimately contributed to the formation of the Republican Party, a party founded on anti-slavery principles, to which Seward readily aligned himself.

In the wake of the controversial Dred Scott decision in 1858, Seward delivered a scathing attack on the Supreme Court's ruling, predicting the eventual demise of slavery. His "irrepressible conflict" speech, delivered the following year, was seen by many as further evidence of his radical stance on slavery. While some Southerners linked his rhetoric to John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, this connection also underscores the perception of Seward as a powerful advocate for abolition.

Arguments Challenging Seward's Promotion of Abolitionism

Despite these seemingly staunch anti-slavery positions, certain aspects of Seward's political life cast doubt on his commitment to full abolition. His early support for and collaboration with President Zachary Taylor, a slaveholder, raised questions about his willingness to compromise with pro-slavery forces.

Furthermore, while Seward condemned slavery in principle, he also condemned John Brown's violent methods and ultimately supported his execution. This seemingly contradictory stance suggests a nuanced view of abolition, prioritizing legal and political avenues over radical action.

Seward's advice to Senator Charles Sumner to moderate his inflammatory rhetoric, which ultimately led to Sumner's brutal caning on the Senate floor, indicates a preference for political maneuvering over direct confrontation. While this approach aimed to avoid escalating tensions, it also frustrated some abolitionists who viewed it as conciliatory toward slave power.

Perhaps most tellingly, in 1860, Seward proposed a Constitutional amendment that would have prevented the federal government from interfering with slavery within states. This move, aimed at securing the loyalty of border states, demonstrated a willingness to compromise on the issue of slavery in the interest of preserving the Union.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of other prominent abolitionists of the era, such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Their tireless efforts in writing, speaking, and organizing arguably had a more direct and impactful role in shaping public opinion against slavery than Seward's political maneuvering.

Conclusion

While William Seward undoubtedly played a crucial role in elevating the issue of slavery in the national consciousness, his commitment to full abolition remains a subject of debate. His actions and rhetoric often intertwined genuine anti-slavery sentiment with political pragmatism and a desire to preserve the Union. While his "higher law" speech and support for the Underground Railroad showcased his abolitionist sympathies, his willingness to compromise, as seen in his proposed Constitutional amendment and support for Zachary Taylor, suggests a more moderate approach. Ultimately, while Seward contributed to the growing anti-slavery movement, his legacy remains complex and his impact on the abolitionist cause cannot be easily categorized.

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To what extent did William Seward promote abolitionism in the years 1850 to 1860?

This essay will analyse the actions of William Seward in the years 1850 to 1860 to evaluate to what extent he can be considered an abolitionist.

Arguments Supporting Seward as an Abolitionist

Argument 1: Seward’s 'higher law' speech (1850) and his opposition to the 1850 Compromise demonstrate his commitment to principles beyond the Constitution, arguably aligning him with abolitionist ideals. Argument 2: Seward’s Auburn home serving as an 'underground railroad' safe house during the 1850s evidences his practical support for escaped slaves. Argument 3: Seward's strong opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his role in the rise of the Republican Party indicate his active stance against the expansion of slavery. Argument 4: His condemnation of the Dred Scott decision in 1858 and his prediction of slavery's demise in the Senate further reinforce his anti-slavery position. Argument 5: Seward's controversial 'irrepressible conflict' speech, despite not securing him the Republican nomination, demonstrates his outspokenness against slavery, even if it alienated some in the South.

Arguments Challenging Seward as an Abolitionist

Argument 1: Seward's close collaboration with slave-owning President Zachary Taylor suggests a willingness to compromise on slavery. Argument 2: His condemnation of John Brown and support for his execution contradicts the radical abolitionist stance. Argument 3: His advice to Charles Sumner to moderate his speeches, which led to Sumner’s attack by Preston Brookes, implies a hesitancy to embrace confrontational abolitionist tactics. Argument 4: Seward's proposed Constitutional Amendment prohibiting federal interference in slavery in 1860 indicates a desire for compromise, arguably prioritizing Union preservation over outright abolition. Argument 5: While Seward was influential, other abolitionists like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe arguably had a greater impact on promoting abolitionist sentiment.

Conclusion

While Seward’s actions demonstrated a strong opposition to the expansion of slavery and a willingness to challenge the status quo, his stance towards abolitionism was complex and nuanced. While he supported abolitionist causes, he also favoured pragmatic solutions and compromise, seeking to maintain national unity above all else. Ultimately, his complex approach makes it difficult to definitively categorise him as a committed abolitionist.

Extracts from Mark Schemes

Arguments supporting the view that William Seward promoted abolitionism in the years 1850 to 1860:

• Seward opposed the 1850 Compromise, delivering his famous ‘higher law’ speech in which he argued there were higher laws than the Constitution. The eloquent speech did much to promote abolitionist ideas.

• Seward’s Auburn home became a safe house on the ‘underground railroad’ in the 1850s.

• Seward worked determinedly against the Kansas-Nebraska Act, rallying Northern support against it. The issue led to the formation of the Republican Party that Seward was a high profile early convert to.

• In March 1858, Seward attacked the Dred Scott decision in the Senate and predicted that slavery was doomed.

• In 1860, Seward was not selected as the Republican Presidential candidate as he was considered to be too radical on the issue of slavery. His ‘irrepressible conflict’ speech was seen by some in the South as having inspired John Brown’s raid.

Arguments challenging the view that William Seward promoted abolitionism in the years 1850 to 1860:

• Seward supported and worked closely with the slave owning President Zachary Taylor.

• Seward spoke out against John Brown and stated that his execution was justified.

• Seward advised Charles Sumner to tone down his speech in 1856 that led to Sumner being attacked by Preston Brookes.

• Seward proposed a Constitutional Amendment in 1860 that forbade Federal Government from interfering in slavery as he worked towards a compromise aiming to keep border states in the Union.

• Other abolitionists arguably played a more important role in promoting abolitionism, for example Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe.

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