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key term - Crittenden Compromise

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Definition

The Crittenden Compromise was a proposal made by Senator John J. Crittenden in late 1860 aimed at preventing the secession of Southern states and the ensuing Civil War by addressing the concerns of slaveholding states. It sought to extend the Missouri Compromise line westward to the Pacific Ocean, allowing for the continuation of slavery in territories south of this line while prohibiting it north of the line. This compromise was significant as it represented a last-ditch effort to reconcile differences between the North and South during a time of intense national strife.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Crittenden Compromise was proposed just before the 1860 presidential election, reflecting the heightened tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.
  2. Despite its intentions, the Crittenden Compromise failed to gain sufficient support in Congress, ultimately leading to its rejection.
  3. President-elect Abraham Lincoln opposed the compromise, believing it would undermine Republican principles against the expansion of slavery.
  4. The failure of the Crittenden Compromise highlighted the inability of political leaders to find common ground and prevent conflict between North and South.
  5. The proposal came just weeks before several Southern states began seceding from the Union following Lincoln's election, further escalating sectional tensions.

Review Questions

  • How did the Crittenden Compromise attempt to address sectional tensions in the United States during the lead-up to the Civil War?
    • The Crittenden Compromise attempted to ease sectional tensions by proposing an extension of the Missouri Compromise line to allow for slavery in newly acquired territories south of this line. This was meant to placate Southern states that were concerned about their rights and way of life being threatened by anti-slavery policies. By providing a potential solution for preserving slavery in specific regions, it aimed to bridge the divide between Northern and Southern interests.
  • Evaluate why the Crittenden Compromise failed to pass in Congress despite its intentions to avert secession.
    • The Crittenden Compromise failed due to a combination of factors, including strong opposition from Republicans who viewed it as a betrayal of their anti-slavery stance. Abraham Lincoln's opposition further diminished its chances, as he believed it would legitimize and extend slavery's reach into new territories. Additionally, many Northern politicians were unwilling to compromise on issues regarding slavery, feeling that doing so would undermine their principles and goals.
  • Assess the implications of the failure of the Crittenden Compromise on the subsequent events leading to the Civil War.
    • The failure of the Crittenden Compromise had significant implications as it underscored the deep divisions within American society regarding slavery. By rejecting this last attempt at reconciliation, it effectively pushed Southern states closer to secession, which began shortly after Lincoln's election. The inability to find a political solution not only set the stage for armed conflict but also highlighted how entrenched both sides had become in their respective ideologies. This escalation led directly to events like the attack on Fort Sumter, marking the official start of the Civil War.

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