Explain why the Compromise of 1850 was agreed.
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2022
Topic
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861–77
👑Complete Model Essay
Explain why the Compromise of 1850 was agreed.
Why the Compromise of 1850 was Agreed
The Compromise of 1850 was agreed to attempt to solve the ongoing question of slavery and the splits it was causing in the country. The specific need for a compromise in 1850 had been caused by the issues raised by the Mexican American war.
The Mexican Cession
The end of the Mexican American war in 1848 saw the United States take control of a large portion of land in the west of the continent – known as the Mexican Cession. Even before the end of the war, discussion had raged over what to do with the new lands. In 1846 the Wilmot Proviso had proposed a ban on slavery in any newly acquired territory. The Wilmot Proviso passed through the House of Representatives but failed in the Senate. The inability of the federal government to agree on the expansion of slavery into new territories fuelled calls for a compromise.
The Fugitive Slave Act
Another issue which was causing division was the fugitive slave act and its implementation. Abolitionists wanted to outlaw slavery in the District of Columbia whilst pro-slavery activists wanted to strengthen the reach of the fugitive slave act in Northern states. Tensions over the Fugitive Slave Act were high, with many Northerners actively resisting the law. This resistance further fueled the need for a political solution.
California Statehood
Another pressing issue was California. Many settlers had flocked to the state in the late 1840s after the discovery of gold. The number of settlers meant that California was ready to be fast-tracked to become a full state but again the question of whether it should enter the union as a free or slave state caused division. California's application for statehood as a free state threatened to upset the balance of power in Congress and reignited the debate over slavery.
Henry Clay and the Compromise
Kentucky Senator Henry Clay ‘The Great Compromiser’ worked in Congress to put together the terms of the 1850 compromise which would try to satisfy both sides. The main terms were: A new, stricter fugitive slave law; the admission of California as a free state; popular sovereignty in New Mexico and Utah; a ban on the slave trade in Washington D.C.
Conclusion
The Compromise of 1850 was agreed to because of a perfect storm of issues related to slavery. The expansion of the United States, the debate over the Fugitive Slave Act, and the question of California statehood all came to a head, necessitating a compromise to prevent the Union from fracturing. While the Compromise of 1850 temporarily quelled the secession crisis, it ultimately failed to resolve the underlying issue of slavery, which continued to drive a wedge between the North and South.
**Sources:**
James F. Perrin. "The Compromise of 1850." **The Oxford Handbook of Slavery in the Americas.* (2010).
David M. Potter. **The Impending Crisis, 1848–1861.* (1976).
Note: History Study Pack Required
Score Big with Perfectly Structured History Essays!
Prepare effortlessly for your A/AS/O-Level exams with our comprehensive...
History Study Pack.
✅ 1200+ Model Essays: Master your essay writing with expertly crafted answers to past paper questions.
✅ Exam Boards Covered: Tailored materials for AQA, Cambridge, and OCR exams.
🍃 Free Essay Plan
Essay Outline: Why the Compromise of 1850 was Agreed
This essay will explore the reasons why the Compromise of 1850 was agreed upon, focusing on the specific issues that led to the need for compromise and the political maneuvering that facilitated its passage.
I. The Mexican Cession and the Wilmot Proviso
This section will discuss how the Mexican Cession, acquired after the Mexican-American War, fueled the debate over slavery. The Wilmot Proviso, which sought to ban slavery in newly acquired territories, will be examined as a key example of the growing sectionalism.
II. The Fugitive Slave Act and Abolitionism
This section will analyze the tension surrounding the Fugitive Slave Act. Abolitionists sought its repeal, while pro-slavery factions demanded its strengthening. The conflicting demands will be highlighted as a major obstacle to national unity.
III. California's Statehood and Popular Sovereignty
The rapid influx of settlers to California after the discovery of gold created a pressing need for statehood. This section will explain the dilemma surrounding California's admission as a free state, as well as the principle of popular sovereignty, which allowed residents of territories to decide the issue of slavery.
IV. Henry Clay and The Great Compromise
This section will analyze the role of Henry Clay in shaping the Compromise of 1850. His political skills and ability to bridge the divide between opposing factions will be highlighted. The specific terms of the compromise, including the Fugitive Slave Act, California's statehood, and popular sovereignty in other territories, will be discussed.
V. Reasons for Agreement: Political Calculation and Expediency
This section will explore the reasons why both sides ultimately agreed to the Compromise. Factors such as the desire to avoid civil war, the need for political stability, and the perceived benefits of each side's concessions will be examined.
VI. Conclusion
The conclusion will offer a comprehensive assessment of the Compromise of 1850, emphasizing its significance as a temporary solution to the escalating conflict over slavery. The essay will discuss the long-term consequences of the compromise and its role in the eventual outbreak of the Civil War.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Why the Compromise of 1850 was Agreed
The Compromise of 1850 was agreed to attempt to solve the ongoing question of slavery and the splits it was causing in the country. The specific need for a compromise in 1850 had been caused by the issues raised by the Mexican American war.
⭐The end of the Mexican American war in 1848 saw the United States take control of a large portion of land in the west of the continent – known as the Mexican Cession. Even before the end of the war discussion had raged over what to do with new lands. In 1846 the Wilmot Proviso had proposed a ban on slavery in any newly acquired territory. The Wilmot Proviso passed through the House of Representatives but failed in the Senate.
⭐Another issue which was causing division was the fugitive slave act and its implementation. Abolitionists wanted to outlaw slavery in the District of Columbia whilst pro-slavery activists wanted to strengthen the reach of the fugitive slave act in Northern states.
⭐Another pressing issue was California. Many settlers had flocked to the state in the late 1840s after the discovery of gold. The number of settlers meant that California was ready to be fast-tracked to become a full state but again the question of whether it should enter the union as a free or slave state causes division.
⭐Kentucky Senator Henry Clay ‘The Great Compromiser’ worked in Congress to put together the terms of the 1850 compromise which would try to satisfy both sides. The main terms were: A new, stricter fugitive slave law; the admission of California as a free state; popular sovereignty in New Mexico and Utah; a ban on slave trading in Washington D.C.