As you know by this point, the debates over the Compromise of 1850 proved vicious and intense. Read the 3 speeches about the Compromise of 1850 (provided in the Reading & Study folder of Module/Week 8), 1 penned by William Henry Seward (a powerful New York politician), 1 by John C. Calhoun, and 1 by Daniel Webster. Two are against the bill (Seward from an abolitionist perspective and Calhoun from that of slavery), and 1 is in favor of Clay's bill (Webster). Pay close attention to Seward's speech, as he references a higher law we must obey. He is referring to God's Law.
Question: Compare and contrast the arguments of the speeches. Which argument do you find the most compelling? Why?
As you read through the speeches for this week's assignment, be sure you keep in mind which states these Senators represented. Why would they have viewed slavery so differently? Pay particular attention to John C. Calhoun's speech, especially as he expressed his thoughts regarding the anti-slavery sentiments stirred up by abolitionists. Do you think he makes a compelling argument regarding the problems they caused? Do you think slavery would have died a natural death on its own, without the horror of war, had the abolitionists either left well enough alone or been more subtle in their work?