Question

traced to a depraved longing for a new slave state, the hideous offspring of such a crime, in the hope of adding to the power of slavery in the national government. yes, sir, when the whole world, alike christian and turk, is rising up to condemn this wrong, and to make it a hissing to the nations, here in our republic, force -- aye, sir, force, -- has been openly employed in compelling kansas to this pollution, and all for the sake of political power. there is the simple fact, which you will vainly attempt to deny, but which in itself presents an essential wickedness that makes other public crimes seem like public virtues.”

• senator charles sumner, 1856

the argument presented in the excerpt from the sumner’s speech has the most in common with which of these situations?

○ the passage of the fugitive slave act of 1850
○ the argument against the expansion of slavery in the wilmot proviso of 1848
○ the motives behind south carolina’s secession from the union in 1860
○ the platform of the southern secessionists known as the “fire eaters”

Explanation:

1. Analyze the excerpt: Senator Sumner in 1856 is criticizing the use of force to make Kansas a slave state, opposing the expansion of slavery.
2. Analyze each option:

• Fugitive Slave Act of 1850: Enforced return of runaway slaves, not opposing slavery expansion. Eliminate.
• Wilmot Proviso (1848): Proposed to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico, opposing slavery expansion. Matches Sumner's argument.
• South Carolina's secession (1860): Motivated by protecting slavery, not opposing its expansion. Eliminate.
• "Fire - eaters" platform: Advocated for slavery expansion and secession, opposite of Sumner's stance. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. the argument against the expansion of slavery in the Wilmot Proviso of 1848