The Compromise Of 1850: Key Cause Of The Civil War

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enry Clay, a united states senator, designed a compromise in 1850, in attempt to satisfy and ease tension between the North and South, however it had the reverse effect and did just the opposite. The Compromise consisted of four main laws. First, California entering the union as a free state. Second, all new territory added could choose by popular sovereignty whether to be a slave state or a free state. Third, the banning of all slave trade in Washington DC. Lastly, a fugitive slave law was passed. The compromise of 1850 played a key role leading up to the Civil War because it only made matters worse between the north and south, because neither of them were fully appeased. The compromise only delayed the conflict. A significant part of the compromise of 1850, was the fugitive slave act. The Fugitive Slave Act was devastating to northerners and slaves. It proclaimed that ant slave no matter in a slave state or a free state could be returned to its slave holder. Additionally, it stated that ant personal attempting to assist slaves to escape would face intense punishment. The Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1850 and enraged anti-slavery supporters because it hindered their ability to aid runaway slaves and it denied safety for slaves anywhere in the United States. Following the Fugitive Slave Act, …show more content…

The Kansas Nebraska Act was introduced by senator Steven A Douglas and passed in 1854. It stated that when these two territories were added to the union, popular sovereignty would determine whether they would be attritted as a slave state or a free state. Due to popular sovereignty, this caused many anti-slavery and pro-slavery supporters to attempt to influence and sway the vote. Upon arrival, the two opposing groups clashed and violence broke out. Furthermore, this act decided the nation as tension began to glow between the north and