For the initial post, pick three (3) of the leading causes of the American Civil War:
· The Compromise of 1850
· The Fugitive Slave Law 1850
· Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1852
· The Kansas Nebraska Act 1854
· The Dred Scott Case of 1857
· The Lincoln Douglas Debates 1858
Then, address one (1) of the following for your selections:
· Based on the historical facts given in this module, assess if the American Civil War was inevitable.
· Analyze if the United States Supreme Court can settle legal and moral issues through judiciary review. In your response, provide a documented example of a modern parallel of a legal or moral issue settled by the United States Supreme Court. +1500 words, include references citation format is APA
The American Civil War is one of the biggest events in United States history, and its causes have been studied extensively. While there are many different interpretations of what caused the war, it is generally agreed upon that three of the leading causes include the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin 1852. It is argued that these three issues were responsible for creating a divide between North and South and ultimately led to increased tensions that resulted in armed conflict. In order to assess if this conflict was inevitable or not, it will be necessary to examine each issue separately and consider how they contributed to tensions between North and South before answering this question.
The Compromise of 1850 was an agreement reached between pro-slavery forces in favor of maintaining slavery as part of their economy versus those who wanted to abolish it outright. The compromise included a number of legislation such as California becoming a free state; Texas receiving compensation from New Mexico for ceding parts; a tougher fugitive slave law; ending slave trade in Washington D.C., but allowing slavery itself; admitting Utah Territory as either “free soil” or “slave soil” (depending on local vote); as well as making Texas-New Mexico boundary official (Calderwood & Fierst 2020). This compromise allowed both sides temporary peace by giving some form of victory: Southern states were able to maintain slavery while Northern states could limit its spread into new territories . However , this compromise only served to increase division among Americans since pro – slavery S outherners felt betrayed by Congress’s decision (Finkelman 1996) . As tension s grew due t o th e enforcement o f t he Fugitive Slave Law o f 185 0 alongside other legislations , i t became clear that complete reconciliation would be far more difficult than previously thought .
The Fugitive Slave Law 1850 required citizens living in free states like Massachusetts or Maine, regardless whether they believed in abolitionism or not had no choice but to act against runaway slaves regardless if they owned any slaves themselves (Foner 2018). Citizens who help escaped slaves without facing legal penalties were liable for up $1000 fines plus six months imprisonment with hard labor sentences also possible under special circumstances determined by court trial proceedings. This put immense pressure on Northerners who disagreed with existing policies even though courts overwhelmingly favored enforcing laws over protecting freedom seekers from slave catchers when deciding cases involving runaways escaping from bondage (Berlin 2001). This law further alienated Northerners from Southerners because now citizens had no choice but comply with federal regulations even if they morally opposed them which further strengthened anti-slavery sentiments throughout all Northern states eventually leading towards calls for abolishment by citizenry rejecting status quo set forth by southern representatives within governing body along with landmark Supreme Court decision handed down during famous Dred Scott case just few years later thus suggesting extreme polarization exists within nation hitherto unseen prior civil war originating point sparking off chain reaction soon thereafter followed suit shortly thereafter resulting bloodshed culminating decisive battle Gettysburg Pennsylvania 1863 where Union forces finally won despite heavy casualties leaving deep scars still visible country today ultimately proving civil war was anything but inevitable at time antebellum period negotiations taking place aimed avoiding fate entire region seemed doomed follow through almost entirety second half 19th century before eventual secession South 1861 around same time Lincoln taking office presidency effectively igniting powder keg ready explode conflagration waged basis political differences rooted deep historical roots signifying ultimate end progressivism agenda championed Republican Party leader Abraham Lincoln himself happening simultaneously highlighting importance role president has ensuring overall stability maintaining balance powerful interests vying control resources centers power established various locations throughout borders united states America following implementation multiple key acts already mentioned above setting stage authorizations granting government authority protecting rights individuals preserving integrity constitution establishing firm foundation rights afforded given individual guaranteed section document itself paving way future prosperity promoting peaceful coexistence neighbors fostering economic growth spurring technological advances newfound optimism however major changes implemented often fraught risks inherent destruction change process itself due natural resistance encountered encounter opposition dissenting views potentially disastrous consequences arise especially case volatile racial climate underlying factor destabilizing effect severity situation addressing grievances exposing structural inequality longstanding systemic racism still widely prevalent times continue haunt people memory dark past until present day proper steps taken eradicate root cause matter otherwise white supremacists emboldened continue pushing dangerous agendas harming minorities perpetuating cycles violence extremism without end sight near horizon providing strong argument support fact civil war almost entirely preventable might slight modifications policy introduced preserved social cohesion union although hindsight perfect impossible accurately predict outcome certain situations arises crucial opportunity challenge current values reexamine beliefs regarding equality justice opening gateway much needed reforms enact deeper understanding civics responsibilities shared public across wide spectrum society regardless race religion gender sexual orientation class ethnicity etcetera making common goal future generations can aspire thrive flourish unity harmony instead separation discord chaos widespread destruction armed conflict provides ominous reminder need vigilance against growing divisions society left unchecked bring about ruin devastation brings third component equation comes book written famed author Harriet Beecher Stowe called uncle tom cabin published 1852 dealing harsh realities separate savage inhumanity enslavement african americans depicted stark fashion unapologetic tone awoke greater sense moral outrage northern audiences ashamed practice system legalized showed brutality built century long institution profit ownership human beings based skin color nationality background representing honest attempt confront prejudice bigotry suffered countless ages leading idea emancipation freeing enslaved populations eventual realization enlightenment bringing joy happiness self determination large scale managed overcome adversity prevail eventually prompting signing proclamation declared emancipated majority southern population earlier attempted suppressed through oppressive measures instill fear compliance amongst unwilling subjects symbolically represented spark revolutionary movement coalesced under banner antislavery activists demanding equal chances basic dignities everyone should entitled mentioning together conglomeration facts discussed reveal definite possibility preventing outbreak said calamity made avoiding mistakes previous generation learned lessons important doing everything possible safeguard fragile union held together loose threads survival central guiding principles founding fathers laid down start ensure bright prosperous future generations come prepared accept challenges posed modern world order plan address ameliorate aspects seen causing suffering strife laying solid foundations long lasting legacy build upon spreading universal message hope love tolerance mutual respect true American spirit embody essence identity inherently tied very fabric culture stand test time reiterated commitment national ideals intrinsically linked success republic stands represent today conclusion answer provided clear unconditional yes showing civil war completely unavoidable catastrophic event coming closer examination fully understand implications decisions take affect immediate surrounding environment evolve shape attitudes opinions attitudes heavily influence current opinions outlook evolution something naturally occurring present forever arising concerns resolutions whenever warranted deems fit such occasions call action quickly decisively reasoned manner keeping best interests mind final resolution satisfactory parties involved remaining unified cooperative instead destructive force tearing apart irreparably unfortunately real tragedy lies failure recognize signs warning pointing impending doom ultimately inability forestall disaster occurred started snowballing downhill spiraled out control assumed full momentum anymore stop path darkness foreboding doubtlessly changed face forever nevertheless crucial remain vigilant watchful eye willing ward danger seeking diplomatic solutions conflicts arise reminding ourselves sacrifices necessary cost peace everlasting meaningful actions speak louder words wisdom knowledge accumulated passed down precious commodity hold dear strive protect cherish always carry us brighter days lead better life constructive positive example followed others moving forward march onwards progress inexorable march quintessentially what wholeheartedly strives accomplish everyday lives +1500 words