A set of laws, passed in the midst of fierce wrangling between groups favoring slavery and groups opposing it, that attempted to give something to both sides. The south gained by the strengthening of the fugitive slave law, the north gained a new free state, California. Texas lost territory but was compensated with 10 million dollars to pay for its debt. Slave trade was prohibited in Washington DC, but slavery was not.
Maryland offered freedom of religion to all Christian settlers. Provided a relatively cheap and abundant source of labor for Chesapeake tobacco planters. ... Religion was a much more important force in shaping New England society than it was in shaping Chesapeake society. Hope this helps.
