Compromise Of 1850 Essay

The Compromise of 1850 was comprised of five separate bills, and while it kept the country united, it was a temporary fix as it ultimately further dived the United States on the issue of slavery. Each bill played a different part in contributing to the whole effect the compromise had on the country. Before being divided into five separate bills they were one, the Omnibus Bill. As a single bill, there was enough opposition to keep it from passing, but after being separated, each of the five parts were passed. The least controversial bills were the admittance of New Mexico and Utah as territories, with their fates as either slave or free states set to be determined when they achieved statehood. It even appeared as if they might balance each
It angered free states as it made it a federal responsibility to return fugitive slaves to their owners, and made it a felony to interfere. In addition, it denied the fugitive’s right to a jury trial, instead instituting special commissioners who would be paid more for “returned” slaves, than if alleged fugitives were released. This opened the door for free people of color to be captured and sent to the South, and with no legal way, or right to plead their case, they were defenseless. The Compromise of 1850 was a true compromise. Both sides of the debate were perfectly unhappy, or “halfway happy” as it has been phrased. Instead of being content that they got something they wanted, both ended up resenting the other more for what they got, and for not seeing it their way. The compromise did nothing to improve relations or communication between the two sides. It entrenched both, and shut down debate as everyone involved was increasingly defending and justifying their beliefs. The comprise did not bridge the gap between the abolitionists and pro-slavery proponents, and it did not help the debate to continue a healthy, respectful manner. It was temporary stop-gap that suffocated the debate and any chance of reconciliation with