Chapter 10 Questions

How did Calhoun and Webster disagree over states' rights?

Calhoun believed strongly in states' rights over federal power and held the interests of slaveholding South at his highest priority. On the other hand, Webster argued with Northern Whigs that slavery should not be extended into the territories.

Name three cities that were destinations on the Underground Railroad.

Detroit, Chicago, and Niagara Falls

Explain how Uncle Tom's Cabin affected the abolitionist cause. Use details from the section to support your answer.

Harriet Beecher Stowe, an ardent abolitionist, published Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852. The novel became a bestseller, with more than a million copies being sold by the middle of 1843. It delivered the message that slavery was not just a political contest, but also a great moral struggle.

How did the way in which the Republican Party was formed indicate that the party stood a good chance at success?

I think that the Republican part chose John C. Fremont as their first presidential candidate because of his strong military skills and experience

Do you think the North or the South won more significant concessions in the Compromise of 1850? Explain your answer.

I think the North won more significant concessions because under the Compromise of 1850, California was admitted to the Union as a free state and limited slavery in Texas to within its borders. On the other hand, Southerners received a new and more effective fugitive slave law.

About what percentage of House members represented free states in 1850?

In 1850, about 62% of House members represented free states.

Who, in the opinion of the artist, is the fittest man in the race?

In the opinion of the artist, Abraham Lincoln is the fittest since he is pictured as the biggest and noticeable figure that is defeating everyone in the race or "election."

What issue is addressed by almost all the parties shown on the chart?

Issues relating to slavery

When California applied for statehood in 1850, Mississippi senator Jefferson Davis warned, "For the first time, we are about permanently to destroy the balance of power between the sections." Why might Davis have felt this way?

Jefferson Davis might have felt this way because at the time California applied for statehood, the senate balance was equally split between free states and slave states. If California became a free state, it threatened to tip the balance of power in the region.

How did Lincoln and Douglas disagree about slavery? Which of their views were facts, and which were opinions?

Lincoln, an abolitionist, believed that slavery was an immoral labor system based on greed. He thought that unless laws were passed limiting or ending slavery, it would continue spreading. On the other hand, Douglas believed that slavery was not immoral, so popular sovereignty should be used instead. I think both of their views were based on their opinions on slavery, however, Lincoln's perspectives have some facts to back them up (slavery as being immoral and based on greed).

What does this map tell you about the routes of the Underground Railroad?

Most of the routes of the Underground Railroad are heading to the northern part of the United States and Canada.

Why do you think the African-American woman in the right-hand corner is looking away from the scene?

The African-American woman in the right-hand corner is looking away from the scene because she did not want to witness the hanging of John Brown who fought to abolish slavery

Why was the Kansas-Nebraska Act so controversial? Use details from the section to support your answer.

The Kansas- Nebraska Act was controversial for several reasons. The bill asked Congress to divide the area into two territories: Nebraska in the north and Kansas in the south. If the bill passed, it would repeal the Missouri Compromise and create popular sovereignty for both territories. As pro and anti-slavery forces flooded Kansas and Nebraska for control of state government, violence erupted.

How did the Kansas-Nebraska Act affect the amount of land that was open to slavery?

The Kansas- Nebraska Act, which was passed in 1854, made it possible for more territories in Kansas and Nebraska to open to slavery repealing the Missouri Compromise

In Dred Scott v. Sandford of 1857, the Supreme Court found that: "A free negro of the African race, whose ancestors were brought to this country and sold as slaves, is not a "citizen" within the meaning of the Constitution of the United States." How did the Supreme Court decision add to the tensions over slavery in the 1850s?

The Supreme court's decision added to the tensions over slavery because it ruled that Scott had no claim to freedom because he was living in a slave state at the time of his lawsuit. In addition, the Court ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, which many believed cleared the way for slavery. Southerners cheered the Court's decision, while Northerners were stunned.

How has the artist expressed the hopelessness of the situation?

The artist expressed hopelessness of the situation by using depressing colors and images such as bare trees, a coffin, and John Brown tied up with a rope waiting to be executed.

How does this cartoon suggest the course of the election of 1860?

The cartoon suggests that the north did not believe in slavery therefore, they voted for Abraham Lincoln

How did the election reflect the political divisions in the United States in 1860?

The election reflected the political divisions in the U.S. in 1860 by voting for the candidates who shared their political views. The Republicans supported Lincoln while the Southern Democrats supported Breckinridge.

Why do you think these cities were destinations?

They were located in free slave states and offered slaves safety and freedom

How did the number of slave states change between 1820 and 1854?

When Texas and Florida became new slave states