Kansas- Nebraska Act
Tensions over slavery continued to rise in the North as well as in the South. The South was worried that the North would develop too much power in Congress and eventually abolish slavery. Southerners highly depended on slaves to work their cotton and crop plantations. They saw it as an opportunity to advance in the economic part of the country. On the other hand, Northerners saw it as an unjust way of life. Abolitionists felt the need to stop slavery and as a result, the South felt threatened.
Like many colonists, Senator Stephen Douglas encouraged the growth in our nation. In 1853, Stephen Douglas suggested forming two new territories know as the Kansas and Nebraska Territories. As a result of the Missouri Compromise, these two territories would have to be admitted as free states. Consequently, Southerners objected.
To please the South, Douglas suggested that slavery in the two territories would be decided upon popular sovereignty. As a result, the Southerners were pleased with the idea. Most felt very strongly that they would easily be able to vote both territories as slave states. Even though Douglas had won support from one side, he did not with support from the North. Northerners were furious that this act would end the Missouri Compromise and reopen the issue of slavery. One northerner responded to the act by saying "The more I look at it, the more enraged I become."
After many months, Congress had decided to pass the Kansas- Nebraska Act. The issue of slavery would now be up to the will of the people instead to the missouri Compromise. In conclusion, the Kansas- Nebraska Act was one of the most controversial times in the 1800s.
Like many colonists, Senator Stephen Douglas encouraged the growth in our nation. In 1853, Stephen Douglas suggested forming two new territories know as the Kansas and Nebraska Territories. As a result of the Missouri Compromise, these two territories would have to be admitted as free states. Consequently, Southerners objected.
To please the South, Douglas suggested that slavery in the two territories would be decided upon popular sovereignty. As a result, the Southerners were pleased with the idea. Most felt very strongly that they would easily be able to vote both territories as slave states. Even though Douglas had won support from one side, he did not with support from the North. Northerners were furious that this act would end the Missouri Compromise and reopen the issue of slavery. One northerner responded to the act by saying "The more I look at it, the more enraged I become."
After many months, Congress had decided to pass the Kansas- Nebraska Act. The issue of slavery would now be up to the will of the people instead to the missouri Compromise. In conclusion, the Kansas- Nebraska Act was one of the most controversial times in the 1800s.