Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise

Definition

The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that addressed the regulation of commerce and the continuation of the slave trade in the United States. This compromise allowed Congress to regulate interstate and international commerce while prohibiting any legislation that would interfere with the slave trade for a period of twenty years, showcasing the delicate balance between economic interests and moral considerations at the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise was designed to satisfy both northern states, who wanted to limit slavery, and southern states, who relied on slave labor for their economies.
2. This compromise allowed Congress to regulate commerce but delayed any action against the slave trade until 1808, reflecting the contentious nature of slavery in American politics.
3. The decision to prohibit regulation of the slave trade for twenty years was a key factor in getting southern states to agree to a stronger federal government.
4. The compromise underscored the tensions between moral opposition to slavery and economic dependence on it, shaping future political conflicts leading up to the Civil War.
5. This agreement laid the groundwork for future debates over slavery and commerce that would persist throughout American history, influencing legislation and sectional conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did the Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise reflect the differing economic interests of northern and southern states during the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise illustrated the conflicting priorities of northern and southern states, where northern states favored limits on slavery and stronger federal control over commerce, while southern states sought to protect their agricultural economy reliant on slave labor. By allowing Congress to regulate commerce while postponing any restrictions on the slave trade for twenty years, it sought a middle ground that ultimately enabled both regions to agree on a framework for governance. This compromise was crucial in shaping the Constitution as it aimed to balance economic interests with moral considerations regarding slavery.
• Evaluate the implications of allowing Congress to regulate commerce while delaying action on the slave trade until 1808.
  • Allowing Congress to regulate commerce while delaying action on the slave trade until 1808 had significant implications for both economic policy and social issues in America. It meant that while interstate and international trade could be managed by federal laws, slavery remained protected for another two decades, maintaining its role in the economy. This delay created a contentious environment as it allowed southern states to continue profiting from slave labor without immediate repercussions, setting up future conflicts over slavery that would become increasingly polarized as time went on.
• Analyze how the Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise set the stage for future political conflicts regarding slavery in America.
  • The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise established a foundational precedent in American politics by prioritizing economic interests tied to slavery over moral opposition to it. By delaying action against the slave trade, it not only prolonged the existence of slavery but also entrenched its role within the national economy, leading to deepening divisions between free and slave states. As debates over tariffs, representation, and other policies arose in later years, this compromise fueled tensions that ultimately culminated in sectional conflicts, reflecting how foundational compromises can have lasting effects on national unity.

Related terms

Three-Fifths Compromise:

A constitutional agreement that determined how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation purposes, counting each slave as three-fifths of a person.

Fugitive Slave Clause: A provision in the Constitution requiring that escaped slaves be returned to their owners, reinforcing the institution of slavery within the framework of the new government.

Tariff: A tax imposed on imported goods, which was a significant point of debate in the context of regulating commerce and protecting American industries.