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Henry Clay's Response To The Compromise Of 1850

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On January 29, 1850, Henry Clay presented The Compromise of 1850 which consists of five measures whose purpose was to mend the dispute concerning the delicate balance that was withheld to keep slavery in the South and unify the states. The first part of the bill states that California will come in as a free state. The North was pleased since this part of the bill was more beneficial to them. They now have the majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. On the other hand, the South feels defenseless and threatened because they might face economic vulnerability if the North passes a bill that would abolish slavery. The next bill in the Compromise is the Texas and New Mexico Act. It declares that the New Mexico territory will not have any slave restrictions. Under this act, Utah fell under the same terms as New Mexico when it came to handling slavery. They were introduced a principle called popular sovereignty that would allow the states the choice to be either a free or slave state. The North does not mind this part of the bill because they feel it gives false hope to southern states. But they also have knowledge that the land in the territory is dry and isn’t capable of growing cotton. The South does feel hopeful and happy to gain another new slave state to keep the delicate balance. Despite the South’s pleased response, the territory is reported deserted until the 20th century. …show more content…

The South feels optimistic and anticipates another slave state from the reduction of Texas. While the North isn’t angry or excited but content with this. The reason for this is because they don’t expect many people to move to Texas. Eventually, half of Texas will become part of the North. This would result in the North having more people in the House of

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