Topic Seven (1.7): The 1850 Compromise
Introduction
Henry Clay, US senator from Kentucky, was influential in the search for compromise. In 1820, he had resolved a debate over the spread of slavery with his Missouri Compromise. In 1850, the 70-year-old Clay presented a compromise in response to disagreements about the extension of slavery to the newly acquired territories.
Read and Make Notes
Read pages 10 to 11 and 17 to 19 in your textbook, and use the links below, to make notes on the topic.
READ – The Missouri Compromise (US History) Links to an external site.
READ – The Compromise of 1850 (US History) Links to an external site.
READ – The Compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Act (PBS) Links to an external site.
WATCH – Slavery and the Missouri Compromise (The Khan Academy) Links to an external site.
READ – The Compromise of 1850 (The Khan Academy) Links to an external site.
READ – The Compromise of 1850 (Digital History) Links to an external site.
Tasks
- Complete the task on Source C on page 18 of the textbook.
- Identify the impact of the Missouri Compromise. Use the following link to help you:
EXPLORE – The Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854 (Teaching American History) Links to an external site.
- Now answer the following questions:
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- Who do you think got the better deal in the Compromise of 1850, the North or the South?
- Why?
- How did the Compromise of 1850 amplify the threat of disunion?
- Complete the practice section:
COMPLETE – The Compromise of 1850: Practice Session (The Khan Academy) Links to an external site.
Stretch Activity
- Is Clay’s designation as ‘the Great Compromiser’ justified?
- Use the following link to help you:
READ – Missouri Compromise: A Win-Win for Clay (NPR) Links to an external site.