Wilmot Proviso
The Spark for Stopping Slavery
Aditya Agashe #28
The Wilmot proviso
Contents
With the issue of the legalities of slavery being a topic of fierce debate throughout the nation, the turmoils were inevitably going to seep through to the acquired Mexican territories. The proposed solution was presented on August 8th, 1846 by a senator from Pennsylvania of the name David Wilmot, and was an amendment to President Polk's appropriation bill. Called the Wilmot Proviso, the document was largely north-favoring, as it banned slavery from all territories acquired from Mexico during the Mexican War, as well as any future acquisitions, such as that of the Mexican Cession. Further, it abolished not only slavery, but any form of involuntary servitude in the region. Unsurprisingly, the document became the source of fierce debate with many southern leaders against its passing. Thus, the fight to get the amendment through Congress became a long affair for both parties involved.
Eventual Failure
Despite the Wilmot Proviso's intentions, it was unable to get through Congress. In the House, it managed to sneak a victory for the north, narrowly passing 85-80. However, the senate quickly put an end to the document, as it was largely southern controlled. Yet, its founders did not quit on the bill, vying for its passage twice further, once in 1847, and again in 1848 as an amendment for the Treaty of Guadalupe. However, it was never able to get through Congress throughout its multiple attempts. Still, it was far from a forgotten part of our country's history, as it was one of the many sparks that set off the growing turmoil prevalent between the north and south, eventually leading to America's bloodiest war.
Complete document
1846
"Provided, That, as an express and fundamental condition to the acquisition of any territory from the Republic of Mexico by the United States, by virtue of any treaty which may be negotiated between them, and to the use by the Executive of the moneys herein appropriated, 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.”
1847
"There shall be neither slavery, nor involuntary servitude in any territory on the continent of America which shall hereafter be acquired by or annexed to the United States by virtue of this appropriation (the $3,000,000) on in any other manner whatever, except for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted."