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A Divided Union Division existed in the United States since the founding of the thirteen colonies. Even though the nation was still functioning due to compromises, several key issues could not longer be ignored. These issues were threatening to tear the nation apart. As the nation grew westward, with the Louisiana Purchase, the issue of slavery threatened to divide the Union. Heated debates broke out in Congress because the North feared losing political power if slavery was allowed to extend to the new territories, and the South also feared losing political power if slavery was forbidden in the new territories. "In 1820 after hearing of the debates in Congress, Thomas Jefferson remarked that the news alarmed him like a "fireball in the night." He feared that it signaled "the death kneel of the Union" ("The 1850's"). Senator Henry Clay proposed a bill which became known as the Compromise of 1850. "Senator Daniel Webster of Massachusetts, in a memorable speech, supported the measures speaking "not as a Massachusetts man, nor as a Northern man, but as an American." William Seward of New York opposed a compromise on slavery, arguing that there was "a higher law" that should be obeyed" ("Missouri").
Approximate Word count = 701
Approximate Pages = 2.8
(250 words per page double spaced)
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