The Compromise of 1850

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the Compromise of 1850, an important event in the history of the United States. The paper specifically argues that the events following the Compromise and especially the subsequent development of slavery as an institution proved the limited impact this set of laws had on the definite resolution of the issue of slavery. The paper further discusses the historical background of the laws and then looks at the failing of the initial and official stated aims of the legislative initiative.

From the Paper:

"First and foremost, in 1850, the Missouri Compromise was relatively untouched. By then, each state had followed the rule imposed by the 1820 agreement. California's desire to be admitted in the Union as a free state met the opposition of the South which saw this as a threat of the equilibrium. However, the Compromise had balanced this decision by agreeing on the Fugitive Slave Law, which stipulated serious punishments for any person aiding a fugitive Southern slave in the North. In this sense, consensus was reached and a certain balance was kept, while the basics of the democratic constitution were kept. (Rozwenc, 1957)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fehrenbacher, Donald, ed. Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 1859-1865. Vol. 1. New York: Library of America, 1989.
• Jenkins, Philip. A history of the United States. New York: Palgrave, 1997.
• Rozwenc, Edwin C., ed. The Compromise of 1850. Boston: D. C. Heath. Place of Publication, 1957.

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