The Clay Bill

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the 1850 Henry Clay laws that were later known as the Clay Bill or "Compromise of 1850." Henry Clay's proposition prompted much controversy, but was ultimately passed via two separate measures in Congress. The paper explains that Webster promoted passage of the Compromise of 1850 because he viewed unification of the north and south as the most important political issue for consideration. The paper examines how Calhoun approached the Compromise as an opportunity to discuss the evils of the power hungry north. The paper reveals that while at first glance it may seem that the Compromise of 1850 supported more free states and the abolition of slavery, in fact it made life more difficult for fugitive slaves.

Outline:
Introduction
Analysis of Text
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Daniel Webster promoted passage of the Compromise of 1950 through his speech, which highlighted the importance of creating a solidarity among people living in the north and the south. Webster's primary argument included the position that since the time of the Constitution much change had occurred within the states. Webster suggests that the North and South were once in agreement that slavery was at best an "immoral and an evil practice", and that such practice could only be considered "inhuman and cruel.""

Sample of Sources Used:

• Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia 6th Edition. (2005). "Compromise of 1850." 6, Feb. 2006: http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0813116.html
• "Daniel Webster, 1782-1852." U-S History.com. 6, Feb, 2006: http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h273.html
• PBS. (2005). "The compromise of 1850 and the fugitive slave act." Judgment Day. Feb 7, 2006: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2951.html

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