Remember to respond both questions with at least a 4-5 sentence paragraph, each.
Question 1:
The 1850’s marked the lead up to the civil war – and the last desperate attempts by national politicians to try and resolve the conflict between slave and free states. By this point the economies of the two halves of the nation were divergent but dependent upon one another, with the Industrial North using the Agricultural South’s cotton to produce finished goods.
The compromise of 1850 actually did cool tensions a bit at the start of the decade, though it laid the groundwork for its own demise. Central to the compromise was the concept of “popular sovereignty,” which allowed each territory to decide for itself whether it would become a slave or free state when admitted to the union.
How did the Compromise of 1850’s concept of “popular soveriegnty” backfire? How did people take advantage of this?
What other factors inflamed tensions beyond just the fallout of the 1850 compromise? How did these events push the country closer to war?
Lastly, the 1850’s saw the rise of the “Free Soil” party which would transform into the Republican Party. Why did the Republican Party emerge out of the chaos of the 1850’s to elect its first President and, shortly thereafter, become a dominant party? What does this tell us about the rise and fall of parties before the Civil War?
Question 2:
Our final chapter leads us to the Civil War – the deadliest conflict in American History, and one which could occupy an entire class with its complex causes and enormous impact on American political development.
First, tell me what was the catalyst for the Civil War erupting – that is, what were the immediate causes that led to the South seceding from the North. What justification did they give for doing this?
Second, tell me what, in your opinion, were the true causes of the Civil War. Give me at least two, and explain to me why you think these factors led to the war between the states.
Lastly, tell me why, in your opinion, the North emerged triumphant in the war. What advantages did it have that led it to victory? Do you think it was possible for the South to win, or was it doomed from the start?
