USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1849, California requested permission to enter the Union as a “free state” – meaning one where slavery was banned. Adding more “free state” senators to Congress would destroy the balance between “slave” and “free” states that had existed since the Missouri Compromise of 1820.

Detailed explanation-2: -As part of the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act was amended and the slave trade in Washington, D.C., was abolished. Furthermore, California entered the Union as a free state and a territorial government was created in Utah.

Detailed explanation-3: -In 1849, Californians sought statehood and, after heated debate in the U.S. Congress arising out of the slavery issue, California entered the Union as a free, nonslavery state by the Compromise of 1850. California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850.

Detailed explanation-4: -When California applied for statehood in 1849, there were 15 slave states and 15 free states. California wanted to be a free state, but-you guessed it!-that would upset the balance.

Detailed explanation-5: -California became a State as a result of the Mexican-American War, 1846-1848. A massive 525, 000 square miles of territory above Mexico was ceded to the victorious United States in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago on February 2, 1848 (the US also paid Mexico $15 million).