A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History : Wilmot Proviso Mt. Holyoke College, Professor Vincent Ferraro The Wilmot Proviso, a very short addendum to an appropriations bill related to the acquisition of territory in the wake of the Mexican War, attempted to disallow slavery in any new territory. Despite its passage in the House of Representatives, it met strong opposition in the Senate, but it does exhibit a considerable anti-slavery faction forming in the government. Discuss how the Wilmot Proviso would counteract the Missouri Compromise? Show a map of the former Mexican territories. Why would slave holders want to continue slavery in these territories? How does the Wilmot Proviso compare to Congressman James Tallmadge's Bill? (accepted in the House of Representatives and not in the Senate) Have students write an editorial to a newspaper of the time either supporting or refuting the Proviso? Students have to dictate where they are from and how that makes a difference in their opinion. Was there slavery in Mexico? Discuss how former Mexican citizens might react to slavery in their territory? Research testimonials/diaries from those who lived in the newly acquired territories.

Wilmot Proviso
Mt. Holyoke College, Professor Vincent Ferraro

Description: The Wilmot Proviso, a very short addendum to an appropriations bill related to the acquisition of territory in the wake of the Mexican War, attempted to disallow slavery in any new territory. Despite its passage in the House of Representatives, it met strong opposition in the Senate, but it does exhibit a considerable anti-slavery faction forming in the government.

Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestions

Discuss how the Wilmot Proviso would counteract the Missouri Compromise?
Show a map of the former Mexican territories. Why would slave holders want to continue slavery in these territories?
How does the Wilmot Proviso compare to Congressman James Tallmadge's Bill? (accepted in the House of Representatives and not in the Senate)

Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson

Have students write an editorial to a newspaper of the time either supporting or refuting the Proviso? Students have to dictate where they are from and how that makes a difference in their opinion.
Was there slavery in Mexico? Discuss how former Mexican citizens might react to slavery in their territory? Research testimonials/diaries from those who lived in the newly acquired territories.