Link to original video by Heimler's History

The FAILURE of Compromise Pre-Civil War [APUSH Review Unit 5 Topic 6] Period 5: 1844-1877

Short Summary:

This APUSH review video examines the failure of pre-Civil War compromises regarding slavery. The core argument is that attempts to reconcile sectional differences over slavery's expansion consistently failed, ultimately contributing to the war. Key examples include the Kansas-Nebraska Act (popular sovereignty leading to "Bleeding Kansas"), the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision (declaring enslaved people as property and negating the Missouri Compromise), and the fracturing of the Whig Party and rise of the Republican Party. The video highlights how westward expansion exacerbated the issue and how these failures fueled escalating sectional tensions and the eventual collapse of the two-party system. The video uses maps and statistical anomalies (e.g., inflated voter turnout in Kansas) to illustrate its points.

Detailed Summary:

The video begins by stating that all attempts to compromise on slavery pre-Civil War failed, setting the stage for the discussion. It emphasizes the continuous acquisition of western lands as a primary catalyst for conflict, as each new territory reignited the debate over slavery's legality.

Section 1: The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): This section details the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which divided the territory and implemented "popular sovereignty" – allowing residents to decide on slavery. The speaker explains how this directly contradicted the Missouri Compromise of 1820, infuriating Northerners. The consequence was "Bleeding Kansas," a period of violent conflict between pro- and anti-slavery factions. The video highlights the fraudulent election of 1855, where Missourians illegally voted, resulting in two rival state legislatures. The speaker uses the contrasting voter numbers (1500 eligible vs. 6000 votes) to demonstrate the extent of the fraud. President Pierce's recognition of the pro-slavery legislature further inflamed tensions.

Section 2: The Dred Scott Decision (1857): This section focuses on the Dred Scott Supreme Court case. The speaker summarizes the case: Dred Scott, an enslaved man taken into free territory, sued for his freedom. The Supreme Court ruled against him, stating that enslaved people were not citizens and could be taken anywhere, effectively opening all territories to slavery. The speaker emphasizes the decision's far-reaching consequences in escalating sectional tensions and pushing the nation closer to war.

Section 3: The Impact on Political Parties: This section analyzes the impact of the slavery debate on the political landscape. The Whig Party's disintegration into pro-slavery ("Cotton Whigs") and anti-slavery ("Conscience Whigs") factions is discussed. The rise of the Republican Party, a coalition of diverse groups opposing the expansion of slavery (though not necessarily abolition), is highlighted. The speaker notes that Southern Democrats viewed the Republicans as an existential threat to slavery. The success of the Republicans in the 1858 midterms further fueled Southern anxieties about the 1860 presidential election.

The video concludes by stating that the next video will cover the election of 1860, implying that the failure of these compromises directly led to the Civil War. The speaker uses engaging language ("brain cows milked," "ever-loving minds") and visual aids (a map) to enhance understanding. No specific technical details are presented beyond the historical facts and figures.