California Statehood

Posted by Mary Trotter Kion Feb 25, 2007

When California seeks statehood, in 1850, as a free state without slavery the Compromise of 1850 is put into effect, allowing new fugitive slave laws in order to placate the southern states. In addition, the North would allow New Mexico and Utah to organize as territories with no mention of slavery. The compromise forestalled the American Civil War for another ten years.