Compromise of 1850

Compromise of 1850

During the 1840s, many members of Congress became increasingly concerned that the issue of slavery, especially its extension into new states, threatened the survival of the nation. Those who favored slavery and those who opposed slavery therefore agreed to five laws that addressed these concerns. Collectively, the five laws are known as the Compromise of 1850. This compromise stated:

1. The state of New Mexico would be established by carving its borders from the state of Texas. 2. New Mexico voters would determine whether the state would permit or prohibit the practice of slavery. 3. California would be admitted to the Union as a free state. 4. All citizens would be required to apprehend runaway slaves and return them to their owners. Those who failed to do so would be fined or imprisoned. 5. The slave trade would be abolished in the District of Columbia, but the practice of slavery would be allowed to continue there.

 

Many northerners and southerners welcomed the passage of the Compromise of 1850 and hoped that it would preserve the Union. Their hopes were dashed about a decade later when the United States became engaged in a devastating civil war.