the compromise of 1850 how did this event impact american history(why was it important to oour country,what were the benefits or drawbacks of the event for the u.s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compromise_of_1850
The Compromise of 1850 was a pivotal event in American history, as it aimed to address the issue of expanding slavery into the Western territories. Its importance arises from the fact that it temporarily eased tensions between the Northern and Southern states, diffusing the immediate threat of secession and providing a few benefits while also having several drawbacks for the United States.
To understand the impact of the Compromise of 1850, let's break it down into benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits of the Compromise of 1850:
1. Temporary peace: The Compromise temporarily alleviated regional tensions by appeasing both pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. It succeeded in preventing an immediate breakup of the Union, which could have led to a civil war at that time.
2. California's admission as a free state: As part of the Compromise, California was admitted as a free state, thereby maintaining the balance between free and slave states in the Senate.
3. Slave trade abolished in Washington, D.C.: The compromise abolished the slave trade (but not slavery itself) in the nation's capital, addressing moral objections to the presence of the trade in a city symbolizing freedom.
Drawbacks of the Compromise of 1850:
1. Fugitive Slave Act: One of the most controversial aspects of the Compromise was the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even in territories where slavery was prohibited. This outraged abolitionists and further polarized the nation.
2. Popular sovereignty: The Compromise allowed for popular sovereignty (letting settlers decide on the issue of slavery) in the newly acquired territories of New Mexico and Utah. This provision led to continued disputes and violence in those territories, exacerbating sectional tensions.
3. Deferred tensions: While the Compromise provided temporary peace, it only delayed the inevitable conflict over slavery. It didn't definitively resolve the issue, which continued to escalate, eventually leading to the American Civil War in 1861.
Overall, the Compromise of 1850 can be seen as a temporary solution that managed to defuse immediate tensions but failed to address the long-term underlying causes of conflict. It highlighted the deep divide in American society regarding slavery and its expansion, ultimately leading to greater polarization and eventually the nation's bloodiest conflict, the Civil War.