Road to the Civil War

The Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 were both meant to

• stop the spread of slavery in the US.

• create a compromise in which new states could be admitted to the union.

• allow slavery to move into the Louisiana Territory.

The Compromise of 1850 was necessary because

• California was seeking admittance to the union as a free state.

• Americans were unwilling to live with the terms of the Missouri Compromise.

• public attitudes had shifted, and few Americans supported slavery in 1850.

What did the election of 1856 show?

Check all that apply.

• There was a political divide between the North and the South.

• A third-party candidate could do well in a presidential election.

• Slavery was the main issue dividing the main parties.

How did the candidates’ opinions reflect the slavery debate in the United States?

• Their opinions reflected the divide on slavery in the North and the South.

• Their support of slavery reflected only the North’s view.

• Their opposition to slavery reflected only the North’s view.

What was Scott’s argument for freedom?

• Slavery was illegal in the North.

• His slaveholder had granted him freedom by taking him North.

• When Scott lived on free soil, he became free.

What was Sandford’s argument against setting Scott free?

• Scott was property and could not be taken away without due process.

• Scott now lived in Missouri where slavery was legal.

• The owners had purchased Scott legally, so they should be able to take him where they wished.

Why did the South support the Dred Scott decision?

• The decision allowed them to reinstate the slave trade.

• The decision strengthened the institution of slavery.

• The decision made slavery legal in the North.

Why were people in the North so concerned with the ruling?

• They feared more runaway slaves would move to the North.

• They were concerned that increasing slavery in the West would drive down prices.

• They feared that antislavery laws would be abolished everywhere.

Which statement best characterizes Sumner’s opinion of the Dred Scott decision?

• He strongly agrees with it.

• He disagrees with it but respects the court’s opinion.

• He thinks it is one of the worst decisions in history.

Based on the quotation regarding the Dred Scott Decision, which political party can you infer Sumner belonged to?

• Democratic

• Republican

• Know-Nothing