Blog #14: Calhoun's Speech on the Compromise of 1850

John Calhoun's Speech:
In his speech, John Calhoun expresses his feelings about the Compromise of 1850.  The speech is directed at Congress, and starts off with discussing the issue of slavery in America.  He recognizes how slavery had already split the country in two, and claims that there could be no sense of unity until it was resolved.  Calhoun questions how unity could ever be achieved, and explains how he is fully in support of unity across the country.  He also explains how the difference in opinions and beliefs comes from the South's use of slavery, and the North's disapproval.  Calhoun says how he fears the outcome of the creation of new states, and the expansion of America further out west.  Each side was so deeply rooted in their beliefs that it seemed impossible to reach a compromise.  Each side also held hatred against the other for difference in how they were treated by the government, with taxes, tariffs, and various acts.  Additionally, there was an issue of balance between the two sides, and how they tried to keep the amount of land equal between them, including newly acquired territories.  Specifically with the South, they felt that too many states were becoming anti-slavery, and this upset in balance ultimately contributed to their decision to try to secede from the US.  Calhoun questions what can be done about this issue, and also why nothing has been done in the past to stop or prevent the agitation.  He knows that there will come a point where things will go too far and the South may try to break away.  Calhoun's main point is that the country is in great danger, and will continue to be unless something is done, quickly, to stop it.

The Missouri Compromise was very similar to John Calhoun's speech to Congress and the Compromise of 1850.  The Compromise of 1850 amended the Fugitive Slave Act and abolished the slave trade in Washington D.C.  Calhoun's speech went on to express his feelings about the growing divide between the North and the South, and how this lack of unity would only damage the country.  Similarly, the Missouri Compromise, created by Henry Clay in 1820, dealt with the issue of slavery vs. anti-slavery states.  Both the North and South wanted to make sure that there was an equal number of slave and non-slave states.  As a result, Missouri was created as a slave state while Maine was created as a non-slave state.