Compromise Of 1850 Dbq

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So far, several attempts have been made to bring peace between the anti-slavery North and the pro-slavery South. The South feels the need for slavery in order to maintain its plantation economy, while the North is industrialized and believes there is no need for slaves. When tensions were reignited between the two sides in the 1820s, the Missouri Compromise was put into place, making Missouri a slave state and Maine a free state. The Compromise of 1850 was also put into effect in order to appease people, and most importantly uphold the union. However, despite these agreements, John Brown, a Northern abolitionist, raided Harper’s Ferry. This proves that the efforts have been to no avail. Tension has also only continued to build since then. A resolution must be reached as soon as possible regarding slavery …show more content…

The Democrats, are pro-slavery, but they were unable to take control due to a split within the party. Lincoln’s views on slavery are not clear, but he does wish for the slaves to fight for the Union. Due to this, the state of South Carolina has seceded. Other Southern States may follow South Carolina’s example and secede as well if something is not done. I am Alexander Stephens and I am member of the Whig Party and a Representative from Georgia. The Whig party has recently split and I align myself with the Southern Whig Party members who support the Democratic ideology regarding slavery and popular sovereignty. Like them, I believe that we must fight for the state’s right to control laws and slavery. However, at the same time I wish to prevent the disintegration of the Union. I know this is contrary to many Southern Representatives who believe that secession is the best option, but I believe that we can convince the North that the states should have more powers and that the laws on slavery should stay the same. Secession should only be a last resort if no headway is made in the right