In 1845, John OSullivan declared Americas Manifest Destiny, and the following year the U.S. became engaged in a war with Mexico. How did the idea of Manifest Destiny influence Western expansion? Discuss the northern and southern arguments for and against free and slave states in the newly gained territories petitioning to be admitted to the Union following the Mexican-American War. Explain how the Compromise of 1850 intended to settle the issue of slavery (be sure to discuss all five parts of the Compromise). Finally, describe the 1860 Republican Party Platforms position on slavery prior to the outbreak of the American Civil War.
- Why did eleven southern states choose to secede from the Union after the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860? Why did Lincoln and the United States go to war in response? Describe the northern and southern advantages throughout the Civil War and how each side financed the war. What factors prompted Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation? Describe the Emancipation Proclamation, what it achieved and how it went into effect? What contributions did women and black Americans make to the war effort?
Full Answer Section
The Slavery Debate and the Compromise of 1850
The expansion of the United States into new territories following the Mexican-American War sparked intense debates over the issue of slavery. The North and South held opposing views on whether newly acquired territories should be free or slave states.
- Northern Arguments: Northerners generally argued for the abolition of slavery, citing moral and humanitarian grounds. They believed that slavery was a violation of human rights and that the United States should be a beacon of freedom and equality.
- Southern Arguments: Southerners defended slavery as a necessary institution for their economy, particularly in the agricultural South. They argued that slavery was a longstanding tradition and that it was essential for maintaining their way of life.
The Compromise of 1850 was an attempt to resolve the slavery issue and prevent the collapse of the Union. The compromise included five key provisions:
- California Admitted as a Free State: California was admitted to the Union as a free state, increasing the number of free states.
- Utah and New Mexico Territories: The territories of Utah and New Mexico were organized without specifying whether they would be free or slave states, allowing popular sovereignty to determine their status.
- Texas Boundary Dispute: The boundary between Texas and New Mexico was settled in favor of New Mexico.
- Slave Trade Abolished in D.C.: The slave trade was abolished in the District of Columbia.
- Fugitive Slave Law: A stricter fugitive slave law was enacted, making it easier for slaveholders to recover escaped slaves.
While the Compromise of 1850 temporarily eased tensions over slavery, it ultimately proved to be a fragile solution. The issue of slavery continued to divide the nation, and eventually led to the outbreak of the American Civil War.
The Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation
Causes of Secession
Eleven southern states seceded from the Union after the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, primarily due to their fears regarding the future of slavery. Lincoln, a Republican, was opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories and had pledged to protect the Union. Southern leaders believed that Lincoln's election would lead to the eventual abolition of slavery in the South.
Lincoln and the War
Lincoln and the United States went to war in response to the secession of the southern states. The Civil War was a conflict over states' rights and the preservation of the Union. Lincoln argued that the states did not have the right to unilaterally secede from the Union and that the federal government had the authority to suppress the rebellion.
Northern and Southern Advantages
- North: The North had several advantages during the Civil War, including a larger population, a more developed industrial base, and a superior navy.
- South: The South had a significant advantage in terms of military leadership and experience, as many of its generals had served in the Mexican-American War.
Financing the War
Both the North and the South faced significant financial challenges during the war. The North relied heavily on taxation and borrowing to finance its war effort. The South relied on cotton exports to generate revenue, but the Union blockade of Southern ports severely limited their ability to trade.
The Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 as a war measure designed to weaken the Confederacy. The proclamation declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate territory. While it did not immediately free all slaves, it was a significant step towards the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Contributions of Women and Black Americans
Women and Black Americans played crucial roles in the Civil War effort. Women served as nurses, spies, and soldiers, while Black Americans fought for the Union Army and served as spies and scouts. Their contributions were essential to the Union victory.