Throughout history, many political arguments have been resolved through compromises. Americans were no exception, and before the Civil War, the early nineteenth century was a time where compromising was used steadily. In 1860, strong disagreements, opposite beliefs regarding slavery and politics, and a more noticeable division between the Northern and Southern states created issues that a compromise could never solve.
Perhaps one of the greatest issues among Americans was slavery. The south was pro-slavery, and depended on it in everyday life. The North however, was anti-slavery and believed it should be against the law to “own” another person. Neither side was fully willing to compromise on the slavery issue. The American Anti-Slavery reported in 1834 how they thought slave owners were “man-stealers”, and that slavery was against God and all his teachings. (Doc. B) They, among many northerners, wanted all slaves emancipated and slave trade banned.
There were many compromises prior to 1860 that dealt with trying to put the slavery disagreements to rest, and discussed in which states it would be legalized. These included the Missouri Compromise, the Compromises of 1850, and Kansas-Nebraska acts. The Missouri Compromise addressed the issue of expanding slavery into the western territories. As both sides heavily debated this, it was concluded that Missouri would be admitted as a slave state, but Maine would be a free state. The Louisiana Purchase was also divided by the 36 30 line. The Compromise of 1850 presented the questions of which states the US acquired from the Mexican War should be admitted as slave and free states, trading issues in Washington D.C, and the Fugitive Slave Law’s enforcement. Although all these issues presented the north and south with more obstacles, a compromise was again made. California was now a free state, however, New Mexico and Utah would be decided through popular sovereignty. They made the Fugitive Slave Act...