The Kansas-Nebraska act (1854) was a U.S. law that authorized the creation of Kansas and Nebraska, west of the states of Missouri and Iowa and divided by the 40th parallel. It repealed a provision of the Missouri compromise of 1820 that prohibited slavery in the territories north of 36 degrees and 30’ and stipulated that the inhabitant of the territories should decide for themselves the legality of slave holding. Democratic senator of Illinois Stephen A. Douglas pushed the Kansas-Nebraska bill.In Garranty’s The American Nation shows evidence that Douglas had a great political interest in the passing of this bill because he also served as the director of Illinois central line. Therefore, it would have been in his best interest for the transcontinental railroad to pass through the northern states or to be exact through Chicago. The facts show that Douglas, “To win over the southerners Douglas agreed to divide the region into two territories, Kansas and Nebraska, and then fateful concession to repeal the part of the Missouri compromise that excluded slavery from land north of 36 degrees 30’.”(Garraty pg.402) This move could be of great help to him, because if he should seek election for president in the future he would have the support of the south. Muzzey author of The American Adventure also shows evidence that the Kansas-Nebraska bill was “ a bid for southern support in the next democratic convention.” (Muzzey pg.485) In 1852 Douglas sought for presidential nomination but had only the support of the north, and it was necessary in those days for candidate to win southern support in order to gain the presidency or nomination [nomination for the presidency].”(Elson pg. 573) With the issue of this bill Douglas saw his chance. Douglas “baited this bill for Southern votes by incorporating the principle of popular sovereignty. At the insistence of Southern leaders, he made clear th...
