8th Grade U.S. History - Mexican Cession and Slavery

Kballen. April 6, 2008. Map of the Mexican Cession showing the territories ceded by Mexico to the U.S. in 1848 as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which marked the end of the Mexican-American War (1846 – 1848). This transfer of land, amounting to one third of Mexico's total territory, included the regions that would later become California and the Southwestern United States. The map is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Civil War

Important People

Causes

Battles

The Debate over the Expansion of Slavery in the Mexican Cession

The expansion of slavery into the Mexican Cession became a highly contentious issue during the mid-19th century. As California sought to join the union as a free state, the delicate balance between free and slave states was threatened. This triggered a heated debate that reached its height as the nation faced the possibility of falling apart. In this article, we will explore the key figures and arguments that shaped this debate, including Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, and the Compromise of 1850.

Henry Clay Urges Compromise

Amidst the escalating conflict, leadership turned to Henry Clay, a prominent political figure known for his skill in negotiation and compromise. Recognizing the potential consequences of inaction, Clay emphasized the importance of finding a middle ground that could preserve the unity of the nation. His call for compromise aimed to address the expansion of slavery into the western territories without further destabilizing the delicate balance of power.

John C. Calhoun's Unwavering Support for Slavery

John C. Calhoun, a Senator from South Carolina and a staunch supporter of slavery, responded to Clay's plea for compromise with resolute support for the expansion of slavery. He argued that allowing the practice to extend into the western territories was not only a constitutional right but also necessary for the economic prosperity of the South. Additionally, Calhoun advocated for the enactment of a fugitive slave law, which would require the return of escaped enslaved individuals to their slaveholders.

Threats of Secession and States' Rights

As a strong proponent of states' rights, Calhoun issued a threat that if his demands were not met, southern states would secede from the union. His belief in the sovereignty of individual states and their ability to determine their own laws became a central tenet of his argument. Calhoun's stance escalated tensions and added a sense of urgency to the debate.

Daniel Webster's Plea for Unity and Compromise

Concerned about the potential damage to the unity of the nation, Daniel Webster, a prominent statesman from Massachusetts, entered the debate. He appealed for cooperation and compromise, emphasizing the importance of putting aside personal beliefs and regional interests for the sake of preserving the union. Webster's involvement brought a different perspective to the discussion and highlighted the need to find common ground.

The Compromise of 1850

As the debate continued, John C. Calhoun passed away, and Henry Clay fell ill, unable to continue his work. This void was filled by Stephen Douglas, a Senator from Illinois, who proceeded to transform Clay's proposal into what became known as the Compromise of 1850. This compromise included provisions like the admission of California as a free state, the creation of the territories of New Mexico and Utah without specific provisions for slavery, the abolition of the slave trade in Washington, D.C., and the passage of a stricter fugitive slave law.

In conclusion, the debate over the expansion of slavery into the Mexican Cession reached its peak when California sought admission as a free state. The positions put forward by Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, and Daniel Webster reflected deep divisions and differing beliefs about the institution of slavery and states' rights. Ultimately, the Compromise of 1850 attempted to address these tensions, but it proved to be a temporary solution as the nation continued to wrestle with the divisive issue of slavery.