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TITLE: The Lecompton Constitution Controversy: How a Single Corrupt Kansas Constitution Led to Division Throughout 19th Century America, Causing Tensions that Pushed the Nation to War.
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TITLE: The Lecompton Constitution Controversy: How One Corrupt Kansas Constitution Pushed the Nation to War.
As Americans began to settle in the territory of Kansas in the mid 19th century, only one thing was on their mind; what would their new, uncharted state’s government be like? All people had a view of their own, and were willing to fight, in some cases to the death, to get what they wanted. Radicalists rushed to Kansas and began a conflict that would last until the end of the Civil War, A seemingly perfect compromise, known as the Lecompton Constitution, was proposed to end this tension in Kansas. However, this constitution and its struggle would be anything but perfect… (TRANSITION)
In 1854, politician Stephen A. Douglas proposed a new bill. declared that territories should be allowed to choose whether or not they were to be slave states or free states. This would ruin the years of work that congress dedicated to keeping the delicate country balanced and at peace.
Starting in 1855, proslavery and antislavery radicals began to rush to Kansas to try to influence the decision. The groups began to clash for control, and violence broke out almost immediately. Radical abolitionist John Brown led anti-slavery fighters in Kansas before his famed raid on Harpers Ferry. These violent disputes between armed gangs led Kansas to be known as Bleeding Kansas.
TRANSITION: However, before Kansas Territory could become a state, it needed legislation to lay out its new system of government. There were several new goverments for Kansas to choose from. Four constitutions were proposed for Kansans to vote on: the Topeka Constitution, the Leavenworth Constitution, the Lecompton Constitution and the Y and dot Constitution. Each constitution had its strengths and weaknesses, but after voting took place, the Lecompton Constitution was voted to be the constitution for Kansas.
TRANSITION: In early September of 1857, members of the Lecompton Constitutional Convention began to meet in Constitution Hall in Lecompton. Their goal was to create a document that would lay out rules and regulations for their new, growing state. Pro slavery southerner, John Calhoun, was elected to be the president of the convention. By November 6th, the main body of the constitution was finished.
IHowever, the constitution was far from complete. Intense debates over Article Seven, the slavery clause, of the constitution began to take shape. for 2 whole days. Finally, on November 8th, the members of the convention decided that Article Seven was to pass, stating that the right to own slaves could never be taken away from citizens of the state. John Calhoun and other more moderate pro slavery members of the convention argued that this pro-slavery constitution should be voted on by the people of Kansas. However, was voted down by only one vote. Calhoun argued that Kansas voters should be allowed to vote on Article Seven of the constitution. When anti-slavery groups heard about the Lecompton Constitution, and the referendum concerning Article 7, they were outraged. These groups rightfully believed that the Lecompton Constitution was pro-slavery based, In an act of defiance, free state Kansas citizens decided that they wouldn’t vote at all in the referendum. On December 21, d , the “constitution with slavery” was approved around 6,000 votes to less than 500 votes.
During the January election for Kansas leaders, many anti-slavery citizens refused to vote once again. another vote was held, concerning the Lecompton Constitution. This vote showed only a meager 200 votes for the constitution, with or without slavery, and over 10,000 votes completely against the constitution. These results showed an impressive display of anti-slavery votes. However, the results of only the first election were sent to President James Buchanan. The results of the 2nd election were omitted by corrupt constitution leader, John Calhoun.
TRANSITION: After Buchanan viewed these results, he, mostly due to pressure from the south, recommended that the bill should be passed by both houses of Congress without a popular vote from Kansas. This decision was the catalyst for one of the most polarized and divisive sectional battles ever seen in American political history. Southerners believed that it was a fair and accurate document approved by the majority of the voting population, while, on the other hand, Northerners believed that it was a underhanded constitution that did not represent of the will of the people. In the end, after a month of brutal debates, the constitution passed in the pro-slavery congress 33 to 25. After this win in the senate, the debate fiercely swept through the anti-slavery House of Representatives. After weeks of debate a similar, but more moderate substitute bill was offered to the House in place of the Lecompton Constitution. This bill was called the English Bill after Indiana Congressman William English. It slightly amended the Lecompton Constitution, and it seemingly pleased both sides. Nonetheless, this new bill barely passed, 120 to 112. This new and slightly improved constitution then went back to the people of Kansas. On August 2, 1858, the state of Kansas had a third and final vote on the Lecompton Constitution under tightly controlled supervision.
TRANSITION: Once again, the people of Kansas were set to vote on the original four constitutions. Another voting session took place, and the free state Wyandotte Constitution was voted to be the final constitution of Kansas. For the first time in a while, a compromise, although minor, was reached. This constitution was composed of more free-state ideals and was even backed by a few small groups of pro slavery people. However, a large amount of pro slavery Democrats refused to sign this constitution resulting in bitter partisan debates over the ratification of this Constitution. After a few months of these intense debates, a final binding vote was held. On October 4, 1859, supporters of the constitution won by nearly a 2 to 1 margin. Ironically, it was President James Buchanan, a man despised by most free state settlers in Kansas, who finally signed the bill making Kansas the 34th state on January 29, 1861.
However, the fighting and unrest left by the Lecompton Constitution was enough to push both southerners and northerns to war. Interview It was clear to all that the country was being stretched too far, and that it could not continue to function in its polarized form. The Lecompton constitution opened the eyes of the public to the corruption, violence, unjustness, and evil that slavery stood for. People began to realize that sadly, the inevitable civil war was the only way to once and for all bring about justice and put a final end to the constant fighting. People from all across the states decided to unite for a common cause, and risk their lives for equality, freedom, and justice for all.