6.02 Politics and Compromises

Introduction

Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend or family member you thought would never be resolved? Often times, you try to work it out by some sort of compromise, but neither of you feel completely satisfied with the outcome. At some point, you either find a compromise that works for both of you or the relationship may be ripped apart.

Our representatives in government have to compromise daily on important issues because the people they represent fall on opposite sides. Is there one serious issue in the United States about which you could not compromise?

Many Americans felt that way about slavery, a very controversial and emotional issue. The lawmakers at the time worked vigorously to satisfy Americans in the North and the South. They even managed to agree on two compromises in the 1800s. Unfortunately, finding a compromise that provided a permanent solution to satisfy Americans on both sides of the slavery issue proved to be an insurmountable task.

Analyze the political cartoon below. Who are the men fighting, where do you think this fight took place, and why?

Shockingly enough, the brutal beating depicted in the drawing actually occurred between a senator and a representative on the old chamber floor of Congress in 1856. Congressmen still exchange harsh words today, but it is hard to imagine what issue could possibly bring them to blows!

Clearly, the "fight" over the issue of slavery was intensifying!

Take a look at The Coming of the Civil War - Key Events timeline. We will be covering these events in this unit.