Question

As the nation’s economy and territory developed, tensions between the northern and southern states grew. Explain the diplomatic attempts taken by Congress to balance the power between the two regions.

Answer 1

Congress attempted to balance power between northern and southern states through diplomatic efforts like the Compromise of 1850, which was only a temporary solution to the growing sectional divide caused by differing economic interests and views on slavery. Additional challenges included external diplomatic concerns and internal debates over trade policies.

Step-by-step explanation:

As the nation's economy and territory expanded, Congress made several diplomatic attempts to balance the power between the northern and southern states. The contrasting economic systems and ways of life in these regions led to a deepening division, with the North favoring small family homesteads and a market economy, whereas the South sought more land and an expansion of slavery. To alleviate rising tensions, Congress enacted the Compromise of 1850, which was a suite of legislative measures designed to maintain a balance of slave and free states, including the admission of California as a free state and the Fugitive Slave Act, to appease both regions. However, this compromise was only a temporary fix to a growing problem. Other efforts included dealing with external diplomatic issues with Great Britain and Spain, and internal debates over tariffs and economic policies that further inflamed sectional tensions, such as the Nullification Crisis and differing views on internal improvements and trade policies.