Question

What was the impact of the Wilmot Proviso on the sectional fractions within the Wig Party?

1) It further divided the Wig Party along sectional lines
2) It led to the formation of new political parties
3) It had no significant impact on the Wig Party
4) It resulted in the collapse of the Wig Party

Answer 1

The Wilmot Proviso had a significant impact on the sectional fractions within the Whig Party, further dividing the party along sectional lines and ultimately resulting in its collapse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Wilmot Proviso was a proposal introduced in 1846 by Democrat David Wilmot to ban slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico. While it did not become law, the proviso had a significant impact on the sectional fractions within the Whig Party.

1) The Wilmot Proviso further divided the Whig Party along sectional lines. Supporters of the proviso in the North saw it as a way to limit slavery's expansion, while southern extremists, especially wealthy slaveholders, were outraged and strongly opposed it.

2) The controversy over the proviso led to the formation of new political parties. The Free-Soil Party, which included many members of the failed Liberty Party, made the opposition to slavery's expansion a central part of its platform.

3) The Wilmot Proviso had a significant impact on the Whig Party, as it exposed and exacerbated the sectional tensions within the party, ultimately leading to its collapse.