Chapter 38: The 1850 Compromise Calms the Waters Momentarily

The “Great Compromiser,” Henry Clay, recognizes Calhoun’s threats and writes an Omnibus Bill to address them, but it fails repeatedly in the Senate. The effort exhausts the 73 year old Clay, and he hands the reins to Stephen Douglas, who simplifies the bill and passes it piecemeal.

The result offsets the admission of California as a Free State with a series of conciliations to the South. These include an extension of the Texas borders by some 70,000 square miles, and an updated Fugitive Slave Act which requires that Northerners take an active role in helping bounty hunters return run-aways.

It also puts a hold on slavery declarations in the New Mexico and Arizona Territories until “popular sovereignty” elections can be held by settlers.