crittenden compromise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “crittenden compromise” mean?
A series of constitutional amendments proposed in December 1860 by Senator John J. Crittenden to avert the secession of Southern states and prevent the American Civil War.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A series of constitutional amendments proposed in December 1860 by Senator John J. Crittenden to avert the secession of Southern states and prevent the American Civil War.
Historically, it refers to the last major pre-Civil War political attempt to preserve the Union by protecting slavery in existing slave states and in territories south of the 36°30′ parallel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; term is primarily used in American historical contexts.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes a failed last-ditch effort at reconciliation. In the UK/other contexts, it is a neutral historical reference.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside US history education and academic works on the American Civil War.
Grammar
How to Use “crittenden compromise” in a Sentence
[Subject] rejected the Crittenden Compromise.The Crittenden Compromise was proposed by [Agent].Historians study the Crittenden Compromise.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical analysis of the US Civil War's causes and pre-war politics.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a precise historical term in historiography and political science.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crittenden compromise”
- Writing 'Crittendon' or 'Crittendan'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a crittenden compromise').
- Confusing it with the Missouri Compromise or Compromise of 1850.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was proposed by Kentucky Senator John J. Crittenden.
It was introduced in Congress in December 1860, following Abraham Lincoln's election.
It failed because it guaranteed the protection of slavery in territories south of the 36°30′ line, which was unacceptable to the incoming Republican Party, and because it did not go far enough for some Southern secessionists.
No, it is exclusively a historical term. It is sometimes referenced analogically in political commentary about last-ditch compromises, but this is rare.
A series of constitutional amendments proposed in December 1860 by Senator John J. Crittenden to avert the secession of Southern states and prevent the American Civil War.
Crittenden compromise is usually historical / academic in register.
Crittenden compromise: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪtəndən ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪtəndən ˈkɑːmprəmaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a proper noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CRITtenden tried to CRITically save the Union with a COMPromise.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DOOR SLAMMING SHUT (as the last chance for peace).
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary goal of the Crittenden Compromise?