Omar Bennett
The Lecompton Constitution was a highly controversial legal document drafted in 1857 that became a focal point of a national crisis as the United States was divided over the issue of slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War. The controversy surrounding the Lecompton Constitution reflected the larger national conflict about slavery, with violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in Kansas, often referred to as Bleeding Kansas. The document was framed by pro-slavery advocates and included clauses protecting slaveholding and excluding free blacks from living in Kansas, which was rejected by Kansas voters in 1858, demonstrating their preference for a free-state constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of drafting | 4 September 1857 or 7/8 November 1857 |
| Place of drafting | Lecompton, Kansas |
| Contents | Protected slaveholding, excluded free blacks, only allowed male citizens of the US to vote |
| Votes | Three separate votes took place on 21 December 1857, 4 January 1858, and 2 August 1858. Kansas voters rejected the constitution in the final vote. |
| Support | Endorsed by President James Buchanan |
| Opposition | The U.S. House of Representatives refused to honor it, and voters in Kansas also rejected it. |
| Outcome | Kansas was admitted to the Union on 29 January 1861 as a free state. |
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What You'll Learn
The Lecompton Constitution was drafted in 1857 to legalise slavery in Kansas
The Lecompton Constitution was the second of four constitutions proposed for Kansas. It was drafted in November 1857 and ratified by Kansas voters, although free-state supporters boycotted the vote. The document was then sent to President James Buchanan, who supported its approval and Kansas's admission to the Union as a slave state. Buchanan's decision was controversial and was met with resistance and protest from those who opposed slavery. The controversy was so great that it influenced the political careers of Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, with Lincoln delivering his "house divided" speech in opposition to the idea of a nation that was ""half slave and half free".
The Lecompton Constitution was rejected by Kansas voters in January 1858, demonstrating their preference for a free-state constitution. The voting process was not without its issues, however, as only the pro-slavery sections of the constitution were put to a popular vote, leading to accusations of fraud and manipulation. The pro-slavery faction was accused of using intimidation tactics and election fraud to influence the vote.
The controversy surrounding the Lecompton Constitution reflected the larger national conflicts about slavery that would eventually lead to the American Civil War. Kansas was eventually admitted to the Union in 1861 as a free state, without the legalisation of slavery.
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It excluded free Black people from living in Kansas
The Lecompton Constitution, drafted in 1857, was a proposed constitution for the state of Kansas that became a pivotal moment in the debate over slavery in the United States. The document caused a bitter controversy, as it not only enshrined slavery in the prospective state but also contained a clause that explicitly excluded free Black people from living in Kansas. This provision was a direct response to the growing abolitionist movement and the presence of anti-slavery settlers in the territory. The exclusion of free Black people from Kansas was a clear indication that the constitution's framers intended to keep the state as a slave-holding region and maintain the institution of slavery.
The clause itself stated that "No free negro or mulatto, not residing in the State at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall ever come, reside, or be within this State, or hold any real estate, or make any contract, or maintain any suit therein." This explicit ban on free Black people from residing, owning property, or having legal rights in Kansas sent a strong message about the intentions of the pro-slavery faction in the state. It also reflected the deep-seated racism and fear of racial equality that underpinned the defense of slavery in the United States at the time. By writing this exclusion into the fundamental law of the state, the drafters of the Lecompton Constitution sought to ensure that Kansas would be a state in which only white people could fully participate as citizens.
This provision was a stark contrast to the ideals of freedom and equality espoused by the abolitionist movement and the growing number of free Black people in the United States at the time. It also ran counter to the principles of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which had prohibited slavery in the northern territories and provided a framework for the admission of new states to the Union. The exclusion of free Black people from Kansas was a clear indication that the framers of the Lecompton Constitution were not interested in compromise or coexistence but rather sought to entrench racial hierarchy and slavery as fundamental aspects of the state's legal and social fabric.
The controversy surrounding the Lecompton Constitution and its explicit exclusion of free Black people from Kansas highlighted the deepening divide over slavery in the United States. It brought to the fore the question of whether a state had the right to determine its stance on slavery and, more fundamentally, whether the United States could continue as a union with such stark differences between its constituent states. The controversy also underscored how the issue of slavery was inextricably linked to racial hierarchies and white fears of racial equality, as embodied in the figure of the free Black person, who challenged the notion of white supremacy that underpinned the defense of slavery.
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It was rejected by Kansas voters in 1858
The Lecompton Constitution was drafted in 1857 and was the second of four constitutions proposed for the state of Kansas. It was framed by pro-slavery advocates and contained clauses protecting slaveholding and a bill of rights excluding free blacks. The Lecompton Constitution was controversial because it legalized slavery despite opposition from the majority of Kansas residents, who favoured a free-state constitution. While Kansas residents were allowed to vote on the constitution, only the pro-slavery provisions were put to a popular vote, leading to accusations of fraud and manipulation.
The document was drafted on November 8, 1857, at "Constitution Hall" in Lecompton, which is today a Kansas and National Historic Landmark. It was touted as the "Civil War Birth Place" and "Where Slavery Began to Die". However, in 1857, the framers of the Lecompton Constitution could not have anticipated the outcome of their work. The Lecompton Constitution was initially ratified by Kansas voters, with free-staters boycotting, and was transmitted to President James Buchanan, who recommended its approval and the admission of Kansas as a slave state. Buchanan's goal was to admit Kansas as quickly as possible and put an end to the bloody border affairs.
However, in January 1858, after significant resistance and protest, Kansas voters overwhelmingly rejected the Lecompton Constitution in a valid election, demonstrating their preference for a free-state constitution. The controversy surrounding the Lecompton Constitution reflected the larger national conflicts about slavery that would eventually lead to the American Civil War. The rejection of the Lecompton Constitution by Kansas voters in 1858 was a pivotal moment in history, as it helped set Kansas on the path towards becoming a free state when it entered the Union in 1861.
The issue of Lecompton also influenced the political careers of Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, with the political fallout splitting the Democratic Party and making Lincoln's victory in the 1860 election possible. Lincoln emerged as a national figure on the issue of slavery, and his ""house divided" speech in June 1858 was inspired by the Lecompton Constitution. The controversy over the Lecompton Constitution also reached the White House of James Buchanan and was hotly debated on Capitol Hill, with stories appearing regularly on the front page of the New York Times in 1858.
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It caused a split in the Democratic Party
The Lecompton Constitution, drafted in 1857, was a proposed constitution for the state of Kansas that became a pivotal moment in the national debate over slavery and a significant factor in the fracturing of the Democratic Party in the lead-up to the Civil War. The document's controversial nature lay in its pro-slavery provisions, which were at odds with the will of many Kansas residents who opposed slavery. The controversy surrounding the Lecompton Constitution highlighted the deep divisions within the Democratic Party at the time, particularly between northern and southern factions, over the issue of slavery and states' rights. The party was already struggling to maintain cohesion due to growing sectional tensions, and the Lecompton Constitution became a flashpoint that further exacerbated these divisions.
The constitution was drafted by a pro-slavery constitutional convention in Lecompton, Kansas, which was dominated by pro-slavery settlers from neighbouring Missouri, known as "Border Ruffians." The document provided for the protection of slave property rights and allowed for the introduction of slavery into the territory, despite the fact that many Kansas settlers were opposed to slavery and had hoped to enter the Union as a free state. The convention's fraudulent nature and the fact that it did not represent the will of the people of Kansas was a major point of contention. This caused an uproar among anti-slavery forces in Kansas and across the North, who saw it as a blatant attempt to impose slavery on a state where it was not wanted.
As the controversy unfolded, the Democratic Party found itself in a difficult position. Party leaders, including President James Buchanan, initially supported the Lecompton Constitution, believing it was a way to appease the South and preserve party unity. However, this decision alienated many northern Democrats who were increasingly uncomfortable with the party's apparent support for the expansion of slavery. Prominent Democrats like Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois, who favoured popular sovereignty (allowing the people of a territory to decide on the legality of slavery), broke with the administration over this issue. Douglas and his followers introduced an alternative proposal, the English Bill, which called for a referendum on the Lecompton Constitution, giving Kansans a direct say in their state's future.
The split within the Democratic Party became evident as Douglas and his supporters clashed with the administration and southern Democrats who insisted on the legitimacy of the Lecompton Constitution. The controversy played out in a series of heated debates in Congress, with Douglas and his allies arguing for the rights of Kansans to determine their own destiny and opposing the imposition of slavery by an undemocratic process. The fracture within the party became irreparable, and the controversy contributed to a broader realignment of political forces, with northern and southern factions increasingly drifting apart and realigning along sectional lines.
The Lecompton Constitution was ultimately rejected, and Kansas entered the Union as a free state in 1861. However, the damage to the Democratic Party was already done. The controversy had exposed the deep ideological divide within the party, and the split contributed to the party's poor performance in the 1860 presidential election, where the Democrats were unable to field a candidate who could unite the North and South, ultimately leading to the election of Abraham Lincoln and the further escalation of sectional tensions that culminated in the Civil War.
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It influenced the political careers of Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln
The Lecompton Constitution was a proposed constitution for the state of Kansas, drafted in 1857 by pro-slavery settlers. It stirred up intense controversy, playing a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the United States and the careers of two prominent figures: Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Both men were deeply involved in the debate surrounding Kansas' path to statehood and the broader issue of slavery's expansion.
Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois, known for his moderate stance on slavery, initially supported the Lecompton Constitution. He believed in popular sovereignty, the idea that each territory should decide its own status on slavery through a vote of its citizens. However, Douglas faced intense criticism when he introduced the Lecompton Constitution to the Senate, as it was widely seen as a product of fraud and did not genuinely reflect the will of Kansans, who were predominantly anti-slavery. Douglas's handling of the situation damaged his reputation and led to a rift with his fellow Democrats, particularly President James Buchanan, who supported the pro-slavery constitution. Douglas's stance on the Lecompton Constitution likely contributed to his defeat in the 1860 presidential election, where he ran against Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln, an emerging leader in the Republican Party, strongly opposed the Lecompton Constitution. He saw it as a blatant violation of the principles of democracy and a threat to the ideal of containing slavery's expansion. Lincoln argued that the constitution did not represent the true will of Kansans and that the slavery provisions were imposed on them undemocratically. Lincoln's stance on this issue enhanced his reputation as a staunch opponent of the expansion of slavery and helped solidify his position as a leading voice in the Republican Party. The controversy surrounding the Lecompton Constitution contributed to the growing sectional divide between the North and the South, and it served as a platform for Lincoln to articulate his views on slavery and popular sovereignty, which would become central themes in the lead-up to the Civil War.
The Lecompton controversy had a profound impact on the political trajectory of both men. For Douglas, it led to a break with his party and a reevaluation of his stance on popular sovereignty. He later attempted to repair his image by proposing the Crittenden Compromise in 1860, which aimed to defuse sectional tensions over slavery but ultimately failed. On the other hand, Lincoln's firm opposition to the Lecompton Constitution bolstered his standing within the Republican Party and helped set the stage for his successful presidential campaign in 1860. The controversy also highlighted the deep divisions within the Democratic Party, as Douglas and Buchanan clashed over the issue, further contributing to Lincoln's advantage in the election.
The Lecompton Constitution controversy was a pivotal moment in the political careers of both Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, shaping their legacies and influencing the course of American history. It brought to the forefront the issue of slavery's expansion and the tensions between democracy and the preservation of the Union, setting the stage for the eventual outbreak of the Civil War. The controversy underscored the complex and contentious nature of the slavery debate and the challenges faced by political leaders in navigating the path toward a more perfect union.
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Frequently asked questions
The Lecompton Constitution was a legal document drafted in 1857 that would have legalised slavery in Kansas.
The Lecompton Constitution was controversial because it legalised slavery despite opposition from the majority of Kansas residents. Only the pro-slavery sections of the constitution were put to a vote, leading to accusations of fraud and manipulation.
The Lecompton Constitution was rejected by Kansas voters in January 1858, who favoured a free-state constitution instead. Kansas was eventually admitted to the Union in 1861 as a state that did not practice enslavement.
The controversy surrounding the Lecompton Constitution reflected the larger national conflicts about slavery that led to the American Civil War. It also influenced the political careers of Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, with Lincoln delivering his "house divided" speech in opposition to the constitution.
President James Buchanan endorsed the Lecompton Constitution and recommended its approval, despite the document being generally assumed to have been voted on in an election with low voter turnout. Buchanan's decision was controversial and contributed to a split in the Democratic Party.
