The most upset group when California applied for statehood in 1850 were Southern politicians and slaveholders. They feared that California's admission as a free state would upset the balance of power between free and slave states in the Senate, potentially leading to the restriction of slavery's expansion into new territories. This tension contributed to the sectional conflicts that ultimately escalated into the Civil War.
The election of 1860, in which the ardent abolitionist Abraham Lincoln was elected enraged the southern states because they feared that Lincoln would abolish slavery.
Prominent figures who encouraged Illinois statehood included Nathaniel Pope, the first Secretary of the Illinois Territory, and influential politicians like Stephen A. Douglas, who advocated for its admission into the Union. Conversely, opposition came from those who feared the implications of expanding slave territory, such as Southern politicians concerned about the balance of power. Ultimately, Illinois achieved statehood in 1818, reflecting a growing sentiment for westward expansion.
In California's state constitution they wanted to be admitted into the union as a free state because miner during the gold rush didn't want to have to compete with slave labor. Southern slave owners didn't want that because it would offset the 15 free states and 15 slaves state balance in the senate. If another free state was added the south would lose power. The south feared if they lost power northerners would abolish slavery.
Texas was denied for many years because the Mexicans feared that the United States would settle Texas.
attack the southern way of life and further limit slavery
He feared the possibility of alienating Southern Democrats.
They feared they would be at the mercy of the North in all political, economic and administrative aspect and reduced to the state of a tolerated minority.
They feared that the Southern economy would be ruined if slavery was outlawed.
the secret ballot
Southern plantation owners feared the Missouri Compromise would limit the expansion of slavery, and eventually the institution of slavery itself.
Southern whites feared that freed blacks would seek revenge for past treatment as slaves.