Bradley Simmons

11-29-18

Pd.8

The debate over slavery changed significantly with the acquisition of new territory from

the Mexican-American War, and the actions of the abolitionists becoming more radical, both of

which were major changes. As for a continuity, the lack of rights after the slaves had been freed

was a constant throughout most, if not all of this time.

To contextualize the previous time period and the arguments against slavery, it would be

pertinent to know that in this time, the Missouri Compromise of 1820 was enacted, ultimately

deciding which states would be free or slave states with the 36-30 line. Furthermore, the idea of

Manifest Destiny also blossomed in this time period, which was the fact that many people

believed that God pointed them in the direction to expand, which was West. Along with Manifest

Destiny, Westward Expansion allowed for the possibility of slavery to expand and become a

larger institution, which was part of the controversial arguments during this time.

After the Mexican-American War was ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo,

the United States gained a piece of property known as the Mexican Cession. This was a

significant change, as it posed the question, “What about slavery and expansion?” Thus, popular

sovereignty, the brainchild of Stephen A. Douglas, took over the Mexican Cession. Popular

sovereignty allowed the population of that area to decide whether or not slavery should be
allowed in a specific area, which, at that time, was the Mexican Cession. Thus, the gain of new

land was a divisive issue in the case of slavery.

Secondly, the actions of abolitionists became more radical and controversial towards the

debate. For example, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” provided a view

in to how slaves were treated, which infuriated many. Moreover, Harriet Tubman and her

rescue missions for slaves, became extreme when she began to use the Underground Railroad.

Lastly, John Brown, the most radical abolitionist, believed that it was his God given right to

destroy slavery, which eventually led to the Potawatomi Massacre.

Even though African Americans had been freed from slavery, their status as citizens did

not change at all. Because of this, various governments applied laws known as Black Codes,

which were laws applying only to African Americans. Even before that, there were Slave Codes

and the Fugitive Slave Act. The Fugitive Slave Act was for runaway slaves only, even though

many used it against free blacks. These various laws continued to oppress African Americans

and pushed the United States further towards segregations.

Throughout this time period the debate over slavery changed with the introduction of the

Mexican Cession, and the actions of abolitionists becoming more radical and violent. Lastly,

what stayed around was the lack of rights for African Americans even if they were freed.