Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877), Essay Example

Events in 1850 that influenced the sectional crisis leading to the Civil War

The debate over the admission California, Utah and Washington DC as free states or slaves trade led to a compromise between the North and the South with the South defending their economic system while the North decrying the evils of slave trade. This led to the enactment of the Compromise of 1850 by the Congress. It was agreed the California should be admitted as a free state with the future of the others being determined by popular sovereignty. Slave trade was banned in Washington D.C, Texas gave up some land in exchange of cancellation of debts owed to the federal government and the Congress agreed to pass the Fugitive Slave Act to enforce the return of slaves who had escaped to the South.

This legislation favoured the North over the South. Many white Americans detested sending of escaped slaves, who were black, to the South. In the North, captured slaves were freed by armed mobs and there was widespread violence against slave catchers even though the federal government protested. This infuriated the South leading to increased tension between the North and the South.

Strengths of the Union

The Union of the free and slave states had various strengths which included a large population. This could easily provide labour and provide market for goods. Better transportation means was also strength to the union since they ensured the supply of resources. Having a large population also ensured that the government can raise large amounts from taxes paid by the population. The world also recognised United States as a legitimate government which ensured that the leaders would obtain loans and other trade concessions.

Contribution of the North Region to the outcome and legacy of the war

The North had a higher population that provided people to fight in the war since it had many slaves. Also the slaves who had escaped from the South went to the North providing a haven for them. The North is accredited to the end of the slavery because it protested against it.

References

The National Archives. Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877). Retrieved on 27 August 2009 from http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/civilwar.html