Senator Henry Clay introduces on January 29, 1850, the resolutions known as the "Compromise of 1850" to avert a looming civil war over slavery expansion. Although Clay’s legislative bill was defeated in July 1850, the provisions were ultimately passed as separate measures in September 1850.
The Key details of the "Compromise of 1850" proposal were:
- Admission of California as a free state.
- Territorial Governments: Utah and New Mexico territories would be organized without explicit restrictions on slavery, allowing for popular sovereignty.
- A much stricter law would require citizens to assist in the recovery of runaway slaves.
- The slave trade would be abolished in the District of Columbia, but slavery itself would continue.
- The boundary dispute between Texas and New Mexico would be resolved, with the federal government assuming Texas's debt.
