What effect did the Mexican-American war have on the issue of slavery in the U.S.? Why did it have this effect?

Why would the compromise of 1850 have been controversial in both the north and the south?

To understand the effects of the Mexican-American War on the issue of slavery in the U.S., we need to examine the context and events related to the war. Here's an explanation of the topic and how you can find the answer:

The Mexican-American War, which took place from 1846 to 1848, was primarily fought over territory in what is now southwestern United States. As a result of this war, Mexico ceded a significant amount of land to the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Here's how to determine the effect of the Mexican-American War on the issue of slavery:

1. Research the acquisition of new territories: Following the war, the United States acquired vast territories, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and parts of Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. These territories, collectively known as the Mexican Cession, raised questions about whether slavery would be allowed in these newly acquired areas or if they would become free territories.

2. Investigate the impact on the balance between free and slave states: Prior to the Mexican-American War, there was a delicate balance between free and slave states in the United States. The admission of new territories had the potential to disrupt this balance. Analyze how the acquisition of these territories influenced the debate around the expansion of slavery and how it tipped the balance toward one side or another.

3. Examine the political consequences: The issue of whether slavery should be allowed in the newly acquired territories sparked intense debate and political struggles. The division between Northern and Southern states grew deeper, leading to increased sectional tensions and threats of secession. Explore how the Mexican-American War exacerbated these tensions and shaped the political landscape surrounding the slavery issue.

Moving on to the Compromise of 1850, this legislative package aimed to address the ongoing controversy over slavery in the United States. It consisted of several measures, including the admission of California as a free state, the Fugitive Slave Act, the establishment of popular sovereignty in new territories, and the abolition of the slave trade in Washington, D.C.

Here's how to understand the controversy surrounding the Compromise of 1850:

1. Research the contentious provisions: The Compromise of 1850 contained provisions that favored both the North and the South. Analyze each provision and understand why it would have been controversial in both regions. For example, the admission of California as a free state angered the South as it disrupted the balance between free and slave states, while the Fugitive Slave Act was met with resistance in the North due to its enforcement of the return of escaped slaves.

2. Examine regional perspectives: The Compromise of 1850 was a delicate balance between the interests of the North and the South. Southern states were concerned about maintaining their representation and power in Congress, while Northern states were increasingly becoming anti-slavery. Investigate the perspectives of both regions and how they viewed the compromise as a threat or a victory.

3. Understand the significance of the compromise's passage: Despite the controversy surrounding the Compromise of 1850, it was ultimately passed. Explore the various political factors, such as the influence of key politicians and the desire to maintain national unity, that led to its passage. This understanding will provide insights into why it was considered controversial in both the North and the South.

By conducting thorough research on these topics and analyzing the historical context, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of the Mexican-American War on slavery and the controversy surrounding the Compromise of 1850.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican-American_War#Impact_of_the_War_in_the_United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compromise_of_1850