To what extent were disagreements over slavery before 1850 caused by the migration of people westwards?
Level
AS Level
Year Examined
2023
Topic
The origins of the Civil War, 1820–61
👑Complete Model Essay
To what extent were disagreements over slavery before 1850 caused by the migration of people westwards?
To What Extent Were Disagreements Over Slavery Before 1850 Caused by the Migration of People Westwards?
The expansion of slavery into the western territories was a major source of sectional conflict in the United States before 1850. While westward migration exacerbated tensions surrounding slavery, it is crucial to recognize that it was not the sole catalyst for the disagreements that plagued the nation. Other factors, such as territorial expansion and the delicate balance of sectional interests, significantly contributed to the discord.
Westward Migration and the Erosion of the Missouri Compromise
The westward migration of Americans, particularly after 1840, posed a considerable challenge to the fragile peace maintained by the Missouri Compromise of 1820. The Compromise had, to a large extent, been reached during a period when westward expansion was more theoretical than actual. As people moved westward, taking with them their institutions and beliefs, the 36°30’ line that divided free and slave territory became increasingly difficult to maintain. The movement of people inevitably led to the movement of goods, capital, and, crucially, slaves, making the geographic containment of slavery increasingly impractical.
The rapid population growth in areas like California, fueled by the gold rush, further intensified the issue. The sudden influx of people brought the question of statehood to the forefront. Should California be admitted as a free or slave state? This question sparked heated debates, with both sides deeply entrenched in their positions. The Missouri Compromise, which had once seemed like a viable solution, was proving inadequate in the face of such rapid westward expansion.
Territorial Expansion and the Mexican Cession
Beyond westward migration, the issue of territorial expansion itself played a crucial role in escalating tensions over slavery. The annexation of Texas in 1845 and the subsequent Mexican Cession in 1848, which added vast new territories to the United States, brought the debate over slavery to a boiling point. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War, proved particularly contentious. The acquisition of vast southwestern territories reignited the debate over the expansion of slavery.
Northerners, largely opposed to the expansion of slavery, argued that these new territories should be free. Southerners, fearing the erosion of their way of life and political power, vehemently disagreed. The debate over the status of these territories exposed the deep sectional divide within the nation and effectively shattered the already fragile Missouri Compromise.
The Balance of Sectional Interests
Underlying these disputes over westward migration and territorial expansion was a fundamental disagreement about the future of the nation. The balance of power between North and South was at stake. The admission of each new state had the potential to tip the scales in Congress, making the stakes incredibly high. Southerners were determined to protect their "peculiar institution" and their way of life, which they saw as intertwined with slavery. Northerners, increasingly opposed to the expansion of slavery on moral and economic grounds, were equally determined to prevent its spread.
This fundamental clash of interests fueled the debates over slavery and drove a wedge between North and South. The issue was not merely about the morality of slavery itself but about political power, economic systems, and the very identity of the nation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while westward migration undoubtedly exacerbated tensions and forced a confrontation with the inadequacies of the Missouri Compromise, it was not the sole cause of the disagreements over slavery before 1850. The acquisition of vast new territories and the inherent sectional conflict over the future of the nation played equally significant roles. These factors, interwoven and inseparable, combined to create a perfect storm that would eventually lead to the Civil War. Westward expansion acted as a catalyst, accelerating the nation towards a crisis point that had been brewing for decades.
Bibliography
• Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty!: An American History. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2017.
• McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988.
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic of slavery and westward expansion. State your argument- while the westward expansion of the United States significantly escalated tensions surrounding slavery, ultimately, the fundamental disagreements over the morality, economics, and political power of slavery were at the heart of the issue.
How Westward Expansion Exacerbated Tensions
The Breakdown of the Missouri Compromise: Discuss how westward migration, particularly after 1840, challenged the Missouri Compromise. Explain how the 36°30’ line became increasingly irrelevant as people moved westward.
Rapid Population Growth and Statehood: Use the example of California to illustrate how rapid population growth in new territories forced the issue of slavery to the forefront of national politics.
The Role of Other Factors
Territorial Expansion and the Mexican-American War: Explain how the acquisition of vast new territories, particularly after the Mexican-American War (1846-48), reignited debates about the expansion of slavery.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and Sectional Interests: Discuss how the treaty's land cessions further polarized the North and South, with each side vying for control of the newly acquired territories.
Fundamental Disagreements over Slavery: Emphasize that while westward expansion intensified the debate, the fundamental disagreements over slavery – its morality, its economic impact, and its role in the balance of power between North and South – were the root causes of the conflict.
Conclusion
Reiterate your argument. While westward expansion significantly heightened tensions and brought the nation closer to the brink of civil war, the underlying ideological and economic conflicts over slavery were the true driving forces behind these disagreements.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
To what extent were disagreements over slavery before 1850 caused by the migration of people westwards?
Indicative content
Possible discussions on the impact of westward migration:
• The idea of the Missouri Compromise in 1820 had largely been decided in a period where people looked West but were not necessarily moving there. The growth of the country Westwards (especially after 1840) became an increasing challenge to the Missouri Compromise as questions over the entrance of states to the union was posed. These discussions became more and more focused on slavery. The 36°30’ ‘Dixie’ line became unworkable as people, goods and slaves were taken west.
• This was particularly problematic in places which saw rapid population explosions which enabled questions of statehood to be discussed quickly. California was the prime example of this as the gold prospectors rushed in and questions about its transition from a territory to a state began.
Possible discussions on the impact of other factors:
• Impact of territorial expansion – the huge land acquisition brought about by the inclusion of Texas into the union (1846) and the following treaty gains after the Mexican American war meant that discussions about the place of slavery in the United States were brought to a head. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (which followed the Mexican American War signed in 1848) offered particular challenges to the Missouri Compromise. The inclusion of large swathes of land in the south-west of the country worried many Northerners because the territories technically fell under the Missouri Compromise and could thus become slave states.
• Balance of sectional interests – Northerners in Congress argued that these new territories should not be subject to the Compromise whereas Southerners argued vigorously that slavery should be allowed. These discussions effectively saw the destruction of the Missouri Compromise and provoked the discussions surrounding the 1850 Compromise.
Accept any other valid responses.