Daniel Webster’s ‘Seventh of March’ Speech

On March 7, 1850, Daniel Webster, a prominent American statesman and orator, delivered his notable ‘Seventh of March’ speech on the Senate floor. This speech was a critical moment in the debate over the Compromise of 1850, a series of measures aimed at diffusing the tensions between the Northern and Southern states regarding the issue of slavery.

Context and Background

The Compromise of 1850 was introduced by Senator Henry Clay and consisted of five bills intended to address the deepening sectional divide in the United States. The core issues surrounding the compromise included the status of territories acquired during the Mexican-American War, the boundary dispute between Texas and New Mexico, and the status of slavery in the District of Columbia.

The Speech

Webster, representing Massachusetts, took the floor on March 7 to advocate for national unity and the preservation of the Union. Despite his strong personal opposition to the expansion of slavery, he argued in favor of the provisions of the compromise. Webster emphasized the necessity of preserving the Union and cautioned against secession, which he believed would lead to a devastating civil war.

Key points of Webster’s speech included:

• A plea for conciliation between the North and the South.
• An argument that constitutional obligations, especially the Fugitive Slave Law, should be enforced.
• A call for mutual concession as a path to maintain peace and unity within the nation.

Reaction and Aftermath

Webster’s speech was met with mixed reactions. Many Northern abolitionists felt betrayed by his apparent concession to Southern demands, particularly his support for the Fugitive Slave Law. At the same time, some in the South praised his willingness to compromise. Nonetheless, the ‘Seventh of March’ speech significantly swayed public opinion and legislative action toward adopting the Compromise of 1850.

Despite being temporarily effective in staving off disunion, the peace achieved by the Compromise was fragile. Ultimately, it delayed rather than prevented the Civil War, which erupted a decade later in 1861.

Historical Significance

Webster’s address is remembered as a pivotal moment in the antebellum era, illustrating the profound tensions and divisions that beset the United States during this period. It serves as an example of the ongoing struggle to reconcile differing views on slavery and state rights within the framework of the U.S. Constitution.