Competing IdeologiesAnti-slaveryFederal PowerNationalism

the policy or doctrine of asserting the interests of one's own nation, viewed as separate from the interests of other nations or the common interests of all nations.

SlaveryState’s RightsSectionalism

excessive or narrow-minded concern for local or regional interests as opposed to the interests of the whole

McCulloch v MarylandImplied powers of federal government

“necessary and proper”Supremacy of federal powerSovereignty of people, not states

Federal government is the people

Missouri CompromiseMissouri slave, Maine free (balance of slave

and free)Congress creates line of demarcation

between slave and free (Federal solution)

American SystemFederal government has a role in creating

economic growthHenry Clay (economic nationalism)

Protective tariff Federal bank Funding for internal improvements (transport.) Federal land sales

Opposed along geographic and socio-economic lines

Monroe DoctrineAttempt for America to exert its supremacy in

the hemisphere (nationalism)Pave the way for expansion as European power

wanesLargely unenforceable, but popular

ideologically

Jacksonian EraBank of the US (strongly opposed)

State’s RightsIndian removal (strongly supported)

NationalismFederal Power

Nullification crisisFederal Power (sovereignty)

Westward…“Everybody” could agree on expansion

(nationalism)Where “everybody” = White people

Manifest DestinyThis expression was popular in the 1840s.

Many people believed that the U.S. was destined to secure territory from "sea to sea," from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This rationale drove the acquisition of territory.

Ho!

Howevah….Expansion at any cost?

Controversy over war for Texas (Spot Resolutions)

America agitates war to justify forcing Mexico out

What about slavery?Seemingly resolved by Missouri CompromiseNot so fast… that only dealt with the territory

of the Louisiana Purchase

Slavery in the new landsWilmot Proviso – tried to prohibit slavery in

new lands acquired from Mexico, Senate wasn’t buying (Federal power)

Compromise of 1850California free, no slavery in DC (anti-slavery)New Mexico and Utah -popular sovereignty

(State’s rights)No federal interference in slave-trade between

slave states (State’s rights)Fugitive Slave Act (Federal power, in support

of slave interests)

Fugitive Slave ActMade it a crime to help runaway slaves and

allowed officials to arrest runaway slaves in free areas

Slaveholders could take suspected fugitives to U.S. commissioners who, decided their fate. Commissioners received more money for returning them to slaveholders.

Accused fugitives could not testify on their own behalf

Section 6: “In no trial or hearing under this act shall the testimony of such alleged fugitive be admitted in evidence”

Kansas-Nebraska ActStephen Douglas introduced a bill in

Congress to divide the remainder of Louisiana Purchase into two territories—Kansas and Nebraska

Would allow people in each territory to decide on slavery (State’s rights)

Would eliminate the Missouri Compromise’s restriction on slavery north of the 36°30’ lineAntislavery northerners were outraged that

free territory could be turned into slave territory.

“Bleeding Kansas”Antislavery and pro-slavery groups rushed

supporters to Kansas since popular vote would decide the slavery issue.

Pro-slavery voters crossed the border to vote, allowing their side to win the vote. The new government created strict laws, including that those who helped fugitive slaves could be put to death.

Antislavery group created a new government in protest.

President Pierce recognized only pro-slavery legislature.

“Bleeding Kansas”Pro-slavery supporters attack city of Lawrence,

the location of anti-slavery leadersJohn Brown and his sons (famous abolitionist)

attack and kill five pro-slavery men at Pottawatomie Massacre.

Meanwhile, in Washington…Senator Charles Sumner criticized sack of Lawrence

and insulted Senator Andrew Pickens ButlerRepresentative Preston Brooks (Butler’s cousin)

beat Sumner unconscious on floor of Senate chamber

Dred ScottDred Scott was slave of Missouri physician. Had been taken to free territory by owner.Sued for freedom in 1846 after owner died,

arguing he had become free when he lived in free territory.

Case reached Supreme Court in 1857.

Dred Scott v SandfordChief Justice Roger B. Taney

Moderate state’s rights advocate, son of tobacco farmers

3 Critical ConclusionsAmericans of African descent, whether free or

slave, were not American citizens and could not sue in federal court

Congress could not prohibit slavery in any territorySlaves were “property” and were protected by the

Fifth Amendment, which forbid Congress from taking property without just compensation