How did the Constitutional Convention lead to the Civil War?
The Constitutional Convention, held in 1787, was a pivotal moment in American history. The convention was called to revise the Articles of Confederation, but it ultimately resulted in the creation of a new constitution that would shape the country’s future. While the convention was a significant step towards creating a more unified and powerful government, it also laid the groundwork for the tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.
The Compromise of 1787
One of the most significant outcomes of the Constitutional Convention was the Compromise of 1787, also known as the Great Compromise. This compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman, established the framework for representation in Congress. According to the compromise, each state would have an equal number of senators, while the number of representatives would be based on the state’s population. This compromise satisfied the demands of both large and small states, as it ensured that each state would have a voice in Congress.
The Three-Fifths Compromise
Another significant compromise made during the Constitutional Convention was the Three-Fifths Compromise. This compromise, proposed by James Wilson, allowed Southern states to count three-fifths of their slave population when determining their representation in Congress. This compromise was a major concession to the Southern states, which relied heavily on slavery to maintain their economy.
The Slave Power
The Three-Fifths Compromise and the institution of slavery itself became a major point of contention in the years leading up to the Civil War. The compromise gave Southern states a disproportionate amount of power in Congress, as they were able to count their slaves as part of their population. This, in turn, allowed them to exert significant influence over the federal government.
The Missouri Compromise
In 1820, the Missouri Compromise was passed, which admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. The compromise also banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30′ parallel. This compromise was seen as a temporary solution to the slavery issue, but it ultimately failed to address the deeper tensions surrounding the institution.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, which allowed new states to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This act led to pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups clashing in Kansas, resulting in violence and bloodshed. The act also sparked a national debate over the expansion of slavery, which further polarized the country.
The Dred Scott Decision
In 1857, the Dred Scott decision was handed down by the Supreme Court. The decision declared that slaves were not citizens and had no right to sue in court. The decision also declared that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, as it prohibited slavery in territories that were not yet states. This decision further fueled tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups.
The Election of 1860
The election of 1860, in which Abraham Lincoln was elected president, was a major turning point in the lead-up to the Civil War. Lincoln’s victory was seen as a threat by Southern states, which felt that he would abolish slavery. In response, several Southern states seceded from the Union, including South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana.
The Secession Crisis
The secession crisis, which began in 1860 and continued until 1861, was a period of intense political tension and violence. The crisis was marked by the formation of the Confederate States of America, the election of Jefferson Davis as president, and the bombardment of Fort Sumter. The crisis ultimately led to the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861.
Conclusion
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 laid the groundwork for the tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War. The compromises made during the convention, including the Three-Fifths Compromise and the Missouri Compromise, ultimately failed to address the deeper issues surrounding slavery. The Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott decision, and the election of 1860 all contributed to the growing tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups. The secession crisis, which began in 1860 and continued until 1861, ultimately led to the outbreak of the Civil War.
