Question

ib history of the americas unit 1, part 1 test, written response section, version c
this section of the test consists of 4 questions worth 10 points each. answer each question as completely as possible. all answers must be the independent work of the student.

1. explain the significance of the cotton gin to slavery in the u.s.
2. compare and contrast people who wanted limits on expansion of slavery with abolitionists.
3. discuss two different ways that americans in the 1800s tried to determine whether states entering the union would be free or slave.
4. how did addition of territory after the mexican - american war (1846 - 1848) affect sectionalism?

Explanation:

1. The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, made cotton - processing more efficient. This increased the profitability of cotton farming in the South, leading to a greater demand for slave labor to cultivate and pick the cotton.
2. People who wanted limits on the expansion of slavery aimed to prevent its spread into new territories, often for economic or political reasons, while abolitionists sought the complete end of slavery everywhere, driven by moral and humanitarian concerns.
3. One way was through the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which established a line (36°30') across the Louisiana Purchase territory, with slavery prohibited north of it (except for Missouri). Another was the idea of popular sovereignty, where the residents of a territory would vote to decide whether to allow slavery.
4. The addition of territory after the Mexican - American War increased sectional tensions. There was a debate over whether slavery would be allowed in these new territories. The Wilmot Proviso proposed to ban slavery in the new lands, but it was not passed. This led to further polarization between the North and the South over the issue of slavery.

Answer:

1. The cotton gin increased the profitability of cotton farming in the South, leading to a greater demand for slave labor.
2. Those who wanted limits on slavery expansion aimed to stop its spread for economic or political reasons; abolitionists sought complete slavery - end on moral grounds.
3. The Missouri Compromise established a slavery - dividing line, and popular sovereignty allowed territory residents to vote on slavery.
4. It increased sectional tensions as there was a debate over whether slavery would be allowed in new territories.