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Territorial expansion raised the question of whether new lands should be free or slave.

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Why did the expansion of slavery become such a divisive political issue in the 1840's?

The driving event was the westward expansion of U.S. territory, esp. in connection with the Mexican War (the product of the annexation of Texas). How the territories were to be organized - whether open to slavery or not - became a burning issue. The territorial issue was intensified at the end of the decade, by California's growth (aided immensely by the Gold Rush) and the issue of building a transcontinental railroad through the territories to link east & west.


Why did the expansion of slavery become the most divisive political issue in the 1840s and 1850s?

The expansion of slavery became the most divisive political issue in the 1840s and 1850s due to the conflicting interests of free and slave states as the United States expanded westward. The debate centered on whether new territories and states admitted to the Union would be free or slave-holding, which threatened to upset the delicate balance of power between North and South. This conflict intensified with events such as the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, leading to violent confrontations like "Bleeding Kansas" and fueling sectional tensions that ultimately culminated in the Civil War.


Why did the issue of slavery become over time a regional issue?

Slavery became a regional issue primarily due to the economic differences between the North and South in the United States. The Southern economy heavily relied on agriculture, particularly cotton, which depended on slave labor, while the North moved towards industrialization and wage labor. This divergence fostered distinct social, political, and economic interests that intensified sectional tensions. Over time, debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories and states further solidified its status as a regional issue, ultimately contributing to the Civil War.


Why was slavery important to the South?

Cheap free labor was the only way of producing cotton - and lots of it. Following the invention of the cotton gin, cotton become "king" in the South, comprising a majority of its exports. Without slavery, cotton could not be harvested, and the large plantation holders would surely be in ruins. Though the owners of huge plantations did not amass to a majority in the South, they were the political leaders and drove the economy. For the economic and political success of both the South and the plantation owners, the institution of slavery had to continue.


What did the southern states want the new states to become?

The southern states wanted the new states to become slave states to maintain the balance of power between free and slave states in Congress. This was crucial for preserving their economic interests and way of life, which heavily relied on slavery. By ensuring new states permitted slavery, they aimed to protect their political influence and prevent the abolitionist movement from gaining strength.

Related Questions

How did the Southern political leaders become convinced that slavery was under attack by the North?

There were many abolitionist activists and politicians who wanted to get rid of slavery.


To what extent did differing opinions on slavery as well as the institution's expansion become a deciding factor in instituting a civil war?

Differing opinions on slavery, and especially the expansion of slavery, were huge factors in the start of the Civil War. When a free state was added to the Union in 1865, it was essentially the last straw for the South, and they decided that it was time to rebel.


Why did the expansion of slavery become such a divisive political issue in the 1840's?

The driving event was the westward expansion of U.S. territory, esp. in connection with the Mexican War (the product of the annexation of Texas). How the territories were to be organized - whether open to slavery or not - became a burning issue. The territorial issue was intensified at the end of the decade, by California's growth (aided immensely by the Gold Rush) and the issue of building a transcontinental railroad through the territories to link east & west.


Why did the expansion of slavery become the most divisive political issue in the 1840s and 1850s?

The expansion of slavery became the most divisive political issue in the 1840s and 1850s due to the conflicting interests of free and slave states as the United States expanded westward. The debate centered on whether new territories and states admitted to the Union would be free or slave-holding, which threatened to upset the delicate balance of power between North and South. This conflict intensified with events such as the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, leading to violent confrontations like "Bleeding Kansas" and fueling sectional tensions that ultimately culminated in the Civil War.


Why did slavery become more central to American politics in the 1840s?

Territorial expansion raised the question of whether new lands(territory bought from Mexico) should be free or slave states.


Political compromise over slavery largely worked in the United States until what?

Texas and Mexican territory become part of the United States.(Apex) teehee.


When Did Slavery become illegal in Oregon?

Slavery was never legal in Oregon, so it never needed to become illegal.


Who escaped from slavery to become an abolitionist leader?

The person who escaped from slavery to become an abolitionist leader is Harriet Tubman


Who did the whigs become and why did they split up?

The Whig Party, which emerged in the 1830s, eventually dissolved in the 1850s, largely due to internal divisions over the issue of slavery. As the nation became increasingly polarized, factions within the party disagreed on whether to support the extension of slavery into new territories. This discord led to a significant realignment in American politics, with many former Whigs joining the newly formed Republican Party, which opposed the expansion of slavery. The party's collapse reflected broader social and political tensions in the United States leading up to the Civil War.


Can you become a vampire on the sims 3 without an expansion pack?

No, you have to have either the Late Night expansion or the Supernatural expansion (which is not out at this time).


When did Cleveland become an expansion team?

1999.


Why did the issue of slavery become over time a regional issue?

Slavery became a regional issue primarily due to the economic differences between the North and South in the United States. The Southern economy heavily relied on agriculture, particularly cotton, which depended on slave labor, while the North moved towards industrialization and wage labor. This divergence fostered distinct social, political, and economic interests that intensified sectional tensions. Over time, debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories and states further solidified its status as a regional issue, ultimately contributing to the Civil War.