Topic
The new territories acquired by the United States during the 1840s complicated political matters in the United States, but no discussion became more intense than that concerning slavery and its possible expansion. Southern Democrats pushed for the spread of slavery in the newly acquired lands. Northern Democrats opposed this effort, leading to a political division in the Democratic party and the rise of the Republican part)’.
Goal
This assignment asks you to critically interpret multiple primary sources on the topic of slavery and the coming of the Civil War. After reading the sources provided, respond to the following topic questions:
1. Consider the role of westward expansion in pushing slavery to the forefront of national politics and ultimately plunging the nation into civil war in 1861. 1 low did the issues of westward expansion and slavery lead tua^Jiika^ the main.issui:L.ai
stake? Lxplain. using the sources below to support vour reasoning.
Be sure to include a strong diesis statement and support your response with specific examples and evidence and examples drawn exclusively from assigned readings and documents. Attention must be paid to the traditional Ws of history: who, what, when, and why? Be sure to include names and specifics when appropriate.
Sources:
•Abraham Lincoln. Speech before the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 1859
•John C. Calhoun, Spcg.dl.b.rftfK,lhfe.SgnaK, March 4, 1850
•Chapters 12 and 13 (American Yawp)
Requirements:
•Develop your response as if you’re writing a brief academic essay — that is, you will need an introduction, conclusion, and focused paragraphs.
•MLA In-Text (Parenthetical) Citations. Guidelines here
•2 pages
•Double-spaced
•1-inch margins
