> CHRONOLOGY

1846

  • Wilmot Proviso introduced.

1847

  • Wilmot Proviso defeated in Senate.

  • “Popular sovereignty” compromise offered.

1848

  • Free-Soil Party founded.

  • Zachary Taylor elected president.

1849

  • California gold rush begins.

1850

  • Taylor dies; Vice President Millard Fillmore becomes president.

  • Compromise of 1850 becomes law.