The first half of the 19th century incorporates so many important events in American History that bringing all of the events together would be very difficult. However, The Compromise of 1850 could almost be considered the culminating factor of this very important time period in history. The Compromise of 1850 was brought about by Westward movement along with the debate about slavery in the western territories; it affected the free black population, the Underground Railroad, and forced abolitionists to take action.

The Compromise of 1850 produced some beliefs that set the nation up for a greater conflict in the future - why would the government find it necessary to settle on a compromise that would later cause more trouble? Starting off the debate was the newly acquired territory from the war with Mexico and whether it should allow slavery. Slightly farther west and with the booming population due to the gold...