Question

1. Describe the arguments against
allowing slavery in the new Western
states.

Answer 1

After the Mexican war (1846- 1848), the issue of slavery was reopened. It was discussed whether slavery should be allowed in the new territories in the West. Arguments against allowing slavery include the following:

1. Allowing slavery in the new Western states would compromise the balance between the number of states that allowed slavery and those that forbid it.
2. White workers would be affected by allowing slavery, as the degradation of white labor would take place.
3. The issue of slavery was a part of the struggle for power between North and South. The area which won the slavery discussion would be considered as a winner of this political game.