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Compromise of 1850

Color engraving of Senator Henry Clay addressing the Senate in the Senate Chamber.
Foreseeing the danger of civil war, Senator Henry Clay (KY) shaped a compromise to save the Union in 1850. His efforts to avoid war ultimately failed.
credit: "The United States Senate, A.D. 1850" engraved by Robert Whitechurch after a painting by Peter Rothermel, 1855