What Is Slavery

Stemming from our country's foundation, slavery has always been a controversial question. As with every argument, there are two sides. Those against slavery expressed their disapproval in various moral and political way. Though many abolitionist wanted full elimination of slavery, they had to keep in mind the balance within the country between slave and free states. Through the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the North and South agreed on keeping slavery under the 36-30 line. This showed their political views by being willing to compromise in order to keep the nation together. However on a moral standpoint, some Northerners were even willing to kill for their cause. In response to the Kansas Nebraska act, some abolitionists took part in bloody Kansas, a mini civil war within Kansas.

There are various reasons why someone in this time period would be against slavery. Though there were people, thanks to the Second Great Awakening, who felt that slavery was morally wrong, there were many who felt slavery was fine, yet were still against it because of the competition it granted. Many whites, such as those in the Free Soil Party, felt that if slavery expanded into the new territories, it would take away potential jobs and land. Thus, when the Compromise of 1820 arose, many took a stand against expanding slavery, not for the sake of the slaves, but rather for their own political and economical wants. This also represented their political views by showing how both those for and against slavery were willing to compromise to keep the nation together.

Others, such as the Abolitionists who wanted full elimination of slavery, would go to extreme lengths to be rid the US of slavery. After popular sovereignty was introduced to the territories, mainly Kansas and Nebraska, both those for and against slavery spoke of their desires. Though popular sovereignty was made to ensure the people living in the areas would chose whether to be free or slave, both the north and south sent in people to alter the outcome of the election. Those who opposed slavery felt that they had to win the state as a free state because slavery was morally wrong. Due of such conflicts, fighting broke out between the slavery and antislavery forces. This shows their varying values by showcasing how both sides were willing to risk their lives for their causes.

Those against slavery showed their antagonism in various ways. Some expressed it through violence, in the from of the Kansas Nebraska act, and others used politics to come to a more peaceful consensus. There were also different types of people who were against slavery. Some did it for their own personal gain, such as those who felt their jobs would be stolen, and others who felt slavery was morally wrong. The Compromise of 1820 showed how though both sides wanted their lifestyle, they had to come to an agreement somehow.