In the 1850s, the federal government attempted to resolve the issue of slavery in the western territories primarily through the Compromise of 1850, which included measures such as admitting California as a free state and allowing the territories of New Mexico and Utah to decide the slavery issue through popular sovereignty. Additionally, the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 furthered this approach by permitting settlers in those territories to determine whether they would allow slavery. These efforts, however, often led to increased tensions and conflicts, exemplified by events like "Bleeding Kansas," as pro- and anti-slavery factions clashed over the future of slavery in the West.
At first, the court said slavery was up to the states. Later, the court held that the federal government could make slavery illegal.
Popular Sovereigntypopular sovereignty
the federal government banned the importion of slaves to the US
The federal government fought against the Southern armies during the Civil War primarily to preserve the Union and maintain national unity. The Southern states seceded in response to conflicts over slavery and states' rights, threatening the integrity of the nation. The government aimed to uphold federal authority and prevent the expansion of slavery into new territories, which was seen as crucial for the future of the Republic. Ultimately, the war was also driven by a commitment to the principles of democracy and equality.
they created the 3/5 compromise
After the Mexican War, the federal government took several actions that angered Mississippians, including the implementation of the Wilmot Proviso, which aimed to ban slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico. The admission of California as a free state disrupted the balance of slave and free states, leading to heightened tensions. Additionally, the federal government's support for the Compromise of 1850, which included a stricter Fugitive Slave Law, was seen as inadequate by many Southerners. Lastly, the overall expansion of federal power in regulating slavery and territories fueled resentment among Mississippians who were committed to the institution of slavery.
At first, the court said slavery was up to the states. Later, the court held that the federal government could make slavery illegal.
Douglas argued that the status of slavery in Illinois was conditional, as the state had a history that allowed for both free and slave populations, reflecting a complex relationship with the institution. He concluded that Congress should not interfere with the status of slavery in federal territories, advocating for the principle of popular sovereignty, which allowed settlers in those territories to decide whether to permit slavery. This stance emphasized the rights of states and territories to determine their own laws regarding slavery without federal intervention.
The Dred Scott decision declared that enslaved people were not citizens and could not sue in federal court, effectively denying them any legal rights. This decision also stated that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories, further solidifying the institution of slavery in the United States. This was a blow to those who opposed the extension of slavery because it limited the federal government's ability to regulate or restrict slavery's spread to new territories.
They believed in state's rights and with those rights they believed they should be able to determine the legality of slavery in their own state and they believed that Federal Government restriction of slavery in the territories was unconstitutional.
Popular Sovereigntypopular sovereignty
Because the federal government would abolish slavery.
the federal government banned the importion of slaves to the US
The federal government, particularly during the 19th century, played a significant role in the institution of slavery through legislation and policies that protected and perpetuated it, such as the Fugitive Slave Act and the Missouri Compromise. While slavery was primarily enforced at the state level, federal actions and inactions contributed to its continuation. Ultimately, the government’s involvement culminated in the Civil War and the eventual abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment. Thus, while not solely responsible, the federal government was complicit in the practice of slavery in the United States.
Southerners disagreed with the Wilmot Proviso because it sought to ban slavery in any territories acquired from Mexico during the Mexican-American War. They believed that the federal government should not have the power to restrict the expansion of slavery into new territories, as it would upset the balance between free and slave states in the Union.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 aimed to resolve the issue of slavery in the newly created territories of Kansas and Nebraska by introducing the concept of popular sovereignty. This meant that the settlers in these territories would decide for themselves whether to allow slavery or not, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise, which had previously prohibited slavery in those areas. The act led to significant conflict and violence, known as "Bleeding Kansas," as pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions clashed over the issue. Ultimately, it intensified the national debate over slavery and contributed to the sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.
The federal government banned the importation of slaves to the United States.