Notes from March 20th and 21st -- Sectionalism and the Impact of Slavery

Impact of Protective Tariffs on Sections of the Country

The North – Response: Northerners supported the tariffs because they caused people to buy more American-made products, which they produced

The South – Response: Southerners hated the tariffs because their main trade partners were in Europe (cotton to England). Tariffs forced them to sell for a lower price and still pay the tariff.

The West – Response: Westerners supported the tariffs because the money allowed government spending on internal improvements (railroads, roads and canals).

Effects of Political, Social and Economic factors on Slaves and Free Blacks

Political

Compromise of 1850 – A package of five bills, passed in September 1850, that avoided civil war between the North and South. The compromise was drafted (written) by Henry Clay.

Bill No. 1 – California becomes the 31st state and is admitted to the Union as a free state.
Bill No. 2 – The slave trade was ended in the District of Columbia.  (this ends the sale of slaves, but not slavery itself)
Bill No. 3 – The New Mexico and Utah territories will be organized under “popular sovereignty.”
Bill No. 4 – The Fugitive Slave Act was passed, requiring all U.S. citizens to assist in the return of runaway slaves. Anyone who aided a fugitive could be fined or put in jail.
Bill No. 5 – Texas gave up much of the western land which it claimed and received compensation of $10,000,000 for its national debt.

Economic

Southern Plantation System – The Plantation System relied on slavery; slaves had no property and no rights

Northern Industrial Economy – The Slave Trade was abolished in the North; there was a large population of free blacks; free blacks could own property and some rights.

Social

Religion drew slaves together among plantations; they communicated through spirituals

Racism develops in both the North and South