Chapter 11: Sectional Conflict Increases

11.1 An Uneasy Balance

I. Debate Reopens

A. Gag Rule1. Agreement not to speak of slavery2. Debates end in violence- duel between Reps. from

Maine and Kentucky

B. Annexation of Texas1. Texas admitted 2. Set up dividing line- Missouri Comp- 36°30’

C. Popular Sovereignty and Wilmot Proviso1. Each new territory to vote 2. Proviso- South threatens to secede- cut from bill

II. The 1848 Election

A. Lewis Cass- Dem. Party- popular sovereigntyB. Gen. Zachary Taylor- Whig Party- no platformC. Martin Van Buren- Free-Soil Party- no more

slavery in new territoryD. Taylor wins by a slim margin

III. The Slavery Issue in Congress

A. Dec. 1849- Tempers ran highB. California as a free stateC. Tougher Fugitive Slave Law

1. State officials did not have to assist federal officials in capture

IV. Clay’s Proposal

A. Proposal to Senate1. California as free state2. End slave trade not slavery in D.C.3. New Mexico and Utah – pop sov.4. Tougher Fugitive slave law

B. Reaction1. fire-eaters threaten secession

V. The Great Debate in Congress

A. John C. Calhoun- fire-eater argued for dual presidency

B. Daniel Webster- supported Clay’s Compromise

C. Clay’s measures pass- Compromise of 1850

Fun Facts

• Zachary Taylor's horse grazed on the White House lawn.

• Zachary Taylor was known as "Old Rough and Ready." Plain, unassuming, and downright messy, he almost never wore a proper uniform. "He wears an old oil cap," said one man, "a dusty green coat, a frightful pair of trousers and on horseback he looks like a toad."