Attempts at political compromise: the Wilmot Proviso; the role of personalities such as Zachary Taylor, Stephen Douglas and Henry Clay; the Compromise of 1850; Texas and California; the Fugitive Slave Law
Between 1846 and 1850, American politicians tried to stop arguments over slavery tearing the country apart. They negotiated a series of deals — called compromises — to keep both the North and South satisfied.
Real World
Henry Clay, already the architect of the Missouri Compromise, came out of semi-retirement in 1850 at the age of 72 to broker the Compromise of 1850, persuading both sides to accept a package deal rather than fight over each issue separately.
Exam Focus
When evaluating compromises, always assess both what each side gained and what resentments were stored up — mark schemes reward this balance.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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