1854 Kansas- Nebraska Act
Name
Course
Date
Professor
The claiming of land in Nebraska by Iowa and Missouri was known to have led to a string of events that are quite memorable in American history. The Nebraska land that was found to be colossal attracted businessmen and had a railroad to the Pacific aroused interest from its neighbouring states: Missouri and Iowa despite having an Indian title. As a result, the land was split into two by Stephen A. Douglas in 1854 after weighing the interests of the two states. This declaration gave rise to the Kansas- Nebraska Act that led to a significant political uproar due to the debate between the Whigs party and the State Democratic Party. We then see how the Whigs won against the Democrats after showing resilience and fighting for their beliefs, unlike the Democrats who were too slipshod and conceited.
The Democrats, led by Curtis Bates, considered the administration of Franklin Pierce, pushed for a faster reorganization of Nebraska and were against notions to prevent foreign-born persons from becoming citizens and owning land. However, they overlooked the issues of homesteads and internal improvement in addition to being silent on the subject of temperance. Due to this, they had a weak foundation as they did not broach on the essential topics of interest.
The Whigs, however, led by James W. Grimes had a unanimous agreement on opposing the extension of slavery to the free-states despite having differed on the general concept of slavery. In addition to supporting John P. Cook, who was against the Nebraska Act, they denounced the bill. Moreover, they stipulated a revision of state constitution to permit the establishment of banks, advocated for a change in the education system, supported a prohibitory law and requested for legislation for homesteads and internal improvement, unlike the Democrats. The addition of more clauses to their opposition to the Kansas- Nebraska Act provided them with a more substantial base and higher chances of winning unlike the State Democrats.
The Whigs further attempted to merge with other platforms like the Free Soilers with a similar cause as theirs in contrast to the Democrats who not only failed to try to make alliances but also led to disappointed members who lost faith in the party and joined the Whigs.
Grimes, as a leader of the Whigs, showed undeterred determination to gain the trust of the citizens and even convinced foreigners- the Germans- to vote in his favour. He published a pamphlet stating the goals he would like to achieve as a governor in addition to denouncing the Nebraska bill and campaigned across the state after having prepared thirty-one speeches. He even invited the Democrats leader, Bates, to accompany him on the campaign but he was turned down.
Unlike Grimes, Bates was overconfident due to the previous achievements of the State Democratic Party in elections, and therefore he did not put much effort into campaigning. Instead, together with the Democrats he focused on rebuking the cause of the Whigs and accused them of being pretentious and anti-foreign. He further led to the downfall of his party when he suggested the relocation of the capital from Iowa City to Des Moines, which happened to be his hometown. This suggestion resulted in distrust from the citizens and even some members of his party.
In conclusion, Grimes and the Whigs party depict how sheer resilience and determination can turn the tables because the Whigs created a new record in the short political history of America by being the first party to win against the State Democratic Party. This achievement is accredited to their unity and ability to stay loyal to their cause hence gaining confidence among the citizens. The Democrats, however, were too proud and complacent and this resulted in their ultimate downfall.
Reference
Rosenberg. ' F -, M. (n.d.). The Kansas-Nebraska Act in Iowa: A Case Study.