Question

1. mexican - american war (1846 - 1848): how did the outcome of the war reshape the map of the united states and intensify debates over slavery? 15) compromise of 1850: what were the major provisions of the compromise of 1850, and how did it attempt to balance sectional interests? 16) fugitive slave act (1850): how did the fugitive slave act affect relations between the north and south? 17) kansas - nebraska act (1854): how did “popular sovereignty” lead to violence and deepen sectional divisions? 18) dred scott decision (1857): what did the supreme court decide in dred scott v. sandford, and why did it anger opponents of slavery? 19) lincoln - douglas debates (1858): how did the debates between abraham lincoln and stephen douglas highlight different views on slavery and national unity? 20) john brown’s raid (1859): how did john brown’s actions at harpers ferry influence public opinion in both the north and south?

Explanation:

1. The U.S. acquired vast territory from Mexico in the Mexican - American War. This new land led to debates over whether slavery would be allowed in these areas, as the balance between free and slave states was at stake.
2. The Compromise of 1850 included the admission of California as a free state, a stronger Fugitive Slave Act, and popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico territories. It aimed to balance sectional interests by giving something to both the North and South, like appeasing the North with a free - state admission and the South with a stronger fugitive - slave law.
3. The Fugitive Slave Act required Northerners to assist in the capture and return of runaway slaves. This increased tensions between the North and South as many Northerners opposed it on moral grounds and saw it as an infringement on their values.
4. "Popular sovereignty" in the Kansas - Nebraska Act allowed settlers in the territories to decide on slavery. This led to pro - and anti - slavery forces flooding into Kansas, resulting in violent clashes known as "Bleeding Kansas" and deepening sectional divisions.
5. In the Dred Scott Decision, the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories. This angered slavery opponents as it seemed to expand the institution of slavery and undermine their efforts to limit it.
6. The Lincoln - Douglas Debates highlighted Lincoln's view that slavery was morally wrong and should not spread, while Douglas supported popular sovereignty. Their differing stances on slavery and how it related to national unity were central to the debates.
7. John Brown's raid was an attempt to start a slave rebellion. In the North, some saw him as a martyr for the anti - slavery cause, while in the South, it was seen as an act of terrorism, further polarizing the two regions.

Answer:

1. The U.S. gained territory, fueling slavery debates.
2. Provisions included California's free - state admission, stronger Fugitive Slave Act, etc. It balanced interests by concessions to both sides.
3. It increased tensions as Northerners opposed assisting in slave returns.
4. Pro - and anti - slavery groups clashed in Kansas due to popular sovereignty.
5. The Court ruled against African - American citizenship and slavery restrictions, angering opponents.
6. Their debates showed different views on slavery's morality and national unity.
7. In the North, he was seen as a martyr; in the South, as a terrorist.