Compromise of 1850 and Slavery Issues

The video discusses the impact of the Mexican-American War on U.S. territory, focusing on California's sudden statehood and the ensuing debate over whether it should be a free or slave state. The Wilmot Proviso aimed to ban slavery in new territories but was struck down, highlighting political tensions between the North and South. The debate over slavery contributed to the erosion of the second party system, leading to the rise of new political parties and the concept of popular sovereignty. The Compromise of 1850 attempted to address these issues by admitting California as a free state and introducing a stricter fugitive slave law.

What event led to California's rapid readiness for statehood?

• The Mexican-American War

• The Gold Rush

• The Wilmot Proviso

• The Missouri Compromise

What was the main goal of the Wilmot Proviso?

• To allow popular sovereignty

• To ban slavery in the Mexican Cession

• To support the Fugitive Slave Law

• To admit California as a slave state

How did the Wilmot Proviso fare in Congress?

• It was passed by both the House and the Senate

• It was rejected by both the House and the Senate

• It was passed by the House but rejected by the Senate

• It was passed by the Senate but rejected by the House

What was a key factor in the erosion of the second party system?

• The election of 1848

• The rise of the Whig Party

• The debate over slavery

• The Missouri Compromise

What distinguishes abolitionism from the anti-slavery position?

• Abolitionism supports the spread of slavery

• Anti-slavery supports slavery in the South

• Anti-slavery seeks to expand slavery to new territories

• Abolitionism seeks immediate end to slavery without compromise

What was the concept of popular sovereignty?

• Supporting the Fugitive Slave Law

• Banning slavery in all new territories

• Letting the people of a state vote on slavery

• Allowing Congress to decide on slavery

Which party emerged as an anti-slavery party during this period?

• The Whig Party

• The Democratic Party

• The Free Soil Party

• The Liberty Party

What was a major outcome of the Compromise of 1850?

• California entered as a slave state

• The Fugitive Slave Law was abolished

• The Missouri Compromise was repealed

• California entered as a free state

What did the new Fugitive Slave Law entail?

• It abolished slavery in Washington D.C.

• It required northern states to return runaway slaves

• It allowed popular sovereignty in all territories

• It was less strict than before

What was a minor aspect of the Compromise of 1850?

• The repeal of the Wilmot Proviso

• The setting of the border between Texas and New Mexico

• The abolition of slavery in all territories

• The admission of Utah as a free state