USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The acquisition of lands from Mexico in 1848 reawakened debates regarding slavery. The suggestion that slavery be barred from the Mexican Cession caused rancorous debate between North and South and split the Democratic Party when many northern members left to create the Free-Soil Party.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Mexican-American War reopened the slavery-extension issue, which divided the North and South and which had been largely dormant since the Missouri Compromise.

Detailed explanation-3: -During the war, Congressman David Wilmot introduced the Wilmot Proviso, a proposal to ban slavery in any new territory acquired from Mexico. The measure passed in the House of Representatives but failed in the Senate.

Detailed explanation-4: -Though the Missouri Compromise managed to keep the peace-for the moment-it failed to resolve the pressing question of slavery and its place in the nation’s future.