USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -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. Congress was also seeking resolutions for several other controversial matters.

Detailed explanation-2: -neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist in any part of said territory, except for crime, whereof the party shall first be duly convicted.” This provision that slavery be excluded from the Mexican Cession became known as the Wilmot Proviso.

Detailed explanation-3: -Although the Wilmot Proviso of 1846 didn’t pass with Polk’s appropriations bill, it still left a lasting legacy. The proposed amendment’s purpose was simple and straightforward: slavery and involuntary servitude would be banned forever in all territories acquired as a result of the Mexican-American War.

Detailed explanation-4: -What did the Wilmot Proviso say about slavery in the newly acquired Western territories? There could be no slavery or involuntary servitude in any territory gained by treaty from Mexico.

Detailed explanation-5: -Wilmot opposed the extension of slavery into the Mexican Cession not because of his concern for African Americans, but because of his belief that slavery hurt white workers, and that lands acquired by the government should be used to better the position of white small farmers and laborers.