Exploring Compromise Failures Pre-Civil War

The video explores the failure of political compromises over slavery in the U.S. during the mid-19th century. It covers the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which allowed territories to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty, leading to violence in Kansas. The Dred Scott Decision of 1857 further inflamed tensions by ruling that slaves were property and could be taken anywhere, effectively opening all territories to slavery. These events weakened the two-party system, leading to the rise of the Republican Party, which opposed the spread of slavery. The video sets the stage for the Civil War and highlights the political and social turmoil of the era.

What was the primary reason for the failure of compromises regarding slavery?

• International pressures

• Territorial expansion

• Economic disagreements

• Technological advancements

What principle did the Kansas-Nebraska Act introduce for deciding on slavery in new territories?

• Congressional mandate

• Judicial review

• Popular sovereignty

• Executive decision

What did the Kansas-Nebraska Act overturn?

• Missouri Compromise

• Compromise of 1850

• Dred Scott Decision

• Fugitive Slave Act

What was the immediate consequence of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in Kansas?

• Economic prosperity

• Peaceful elections

• Violent conflicts

• Legislative efficiency

What was the main issue with the 1855 Kansas territorial legislature election?

• Lack of candidates

• Fraudulent votes

• Voter intimidation

• Low voter turnout

What did the Dred Scott decision effectively allow slave owners to do?

• Take slaves into any territory or state

• Release slaves without penalty

• Travel freely without slaves

• Vote in any state

Which party dissolved due to divisions over slavery?

• Democratic Party

• Know Nothing Party

• Republican Party

• Whig Party

What was the stance of the Republican Party regarding slavery?

• Maintenance in existing states

• Prevention of expansion into new territories

• Immediate abolition

• Expansion into new territories

How did Southerners view the Republican Party?

• As a minor threat

• As a pro-slavery party

• As an ally

• As a fundamental threat to slavery

What was the result of the 1858 midterm elections for the Republican Party?

• Considerable success

• Complete failure

• Moderate success

• Significant losses